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Church · Piran, Obalno-kraška
St. George's Church
The Church of St. George, on Piran’s hilltop, with a 46-meter tower inspired by St. Mark’s bell tower in Venice. From the top you can see Slovenia, Italy and Croatia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. George's Church
The Church of St. George (cerkev sv. Jurija) crowns Piran’s hill above the coast and is the town’s largest church. It was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier church and received its current Baroque appearance in a 17th-century renovation. St. George is Piran’s patron saint, and local tradition holds that he saved the town from a storm.
The separate belfry, 46.45 meters tall, was completed in the early 17th century during Venetian rule as a smaller copy of St. Mark’s bell tower in Venice. A wooden staircase of about 146 steps leads to the top. Beside it stands the octagonal 17th-century baptistery.
Inside the church are marble altars, paintings of the Venetian school, a decorated wooden ceiling and two statues of St. George. The parish museum preserves the church’s treasure.
From the terrace around the church and from the top of the tower the view covers Piran’s roofs, Tartini Square and the gulf. On clear days the Italian coast with Trieste, the Croatian Istria and, to the north, the Alps are visible.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour for the church, the terrace and the climb up the tower.
Best time
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over the sea from the terrace or the tower. Early morning has fewer people on the narrow staircase. Tower opening hours vary with the season.
How to get there
On foot from Tartini Square, via streets and steps that climb in about 10 minutes.
Tip
Combine it with the walls: first climb the walls, descend to the church and finish at Tartini Square, always downhill.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. George's Church
Can you climb the bell tower of Piran’s church?
Yes. A wooden staircase of about 146 steps leads to the top of the tower; there is an entrance fee.
Why does Piran’s tower look like Venice’s?
It was built in the early 17th century during Venetian rule as a smaller copy of St. Mark’s bell tower.
What can you see from the top of St. George’s Church?
Piran, Tartini Square and the gulf and, on clear days, the coasts of Italy and Croatia and the Alps to the north.