Sometimes Croatians make fun of Slovenia because its coast is small and does not have any island while they have over 1000. But what many people don’t know is, that few hundred years ago Slovenia had at least two islands, named … Koper and Isola.
A fight between ancient gods.
In fact, the island of Koper even had a smaller “brother” called Sermin which emerged from the marches around it. As described in ancient times, both islands were “only three bowshots away from the shore”. Koper had the form of a shield and according to a legend it was the shield of Athena. She lost it in a battle with Poseidon who was still in a bad mood because the Greek capital was named after her. The Romans build a town called Aegida (indeed: shield) but the island itself they called Capraria – goat’s island – or Caprae. So, it is not so difficult to see where the name “Koper” derives from. The central part of the city was named Platea Comunis.
First a bridge…
When in the Middle Ages the Semedala and Sermin salt pans became an important business, the relatively wealthy city could afford to build a stone bridge between the mainland and the island. The route lead through a Venetian fortress, the Lion Castle, intended to defend the city ad collect taxes. The bridge gave direct access to the old city through the Muda (toll) gate, or Vrata Muda, which was rebuilt in 1516. Unfortunately, the fortress was demolished by the Austrians in 1820 but you can still see the remainder of the city walls next to the gate.
… and finally connected.
When around 1910, the price of salt decreased dramatically, the production has been abandoned which created a new problem. As the saltpans were not maintained anymore, they turned into a pool of diseases such as malaria. And therefore, the (then) Italian authorities decided to drain the abandoned saltpans. In the 1930s they filled them up with soil and that is how Koper it lost its status of an island. When you visit the city, you will notice the strong Venetian influence which refers to times that both cities were well connected in a political and economic way.
Worth a visit…
On the central square (Titov Trg), three buildings refer to this wealthy period. The first, and most impressive, is the Praetorian Palace. It was built in the 13th and reconstructed in the 15th century in a Venetian Gothic style. In 1664 the façade got a Baroque-style make-over, with in it the “Bocca del Leone” meant to post anonymous messages to the local administrators. Today it is the mayor’s office and of the Tourist Information Service.
One last tip, behind the tower is Trg Brolo which most tourists skip. Go see it.
So, if next time somebody makes fun of Slovenia for not having a single island, just smile…
You know better now.
Useful links:
Visit I feel Slovenia website.
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