Piran Town Walls

What makes it special

From the highest tower platforms the whole Bay of Trieste opens out, and on clear days you can see the Julian Alps on the horizon. In the hour before sunset the low sun turns the tile roofs below a warm orange, and in good weather you can stay up for the sunset itself.

The section you walk is the longest that survives, on the slope of Mogoron Hill, and it forms the town's skyline from below. It belongs to the last of Piran's walls, built between 1470 and 1533 against Ottoman raids. Seven defensive towers still stand along it.

Up close, the wall walk is narrow, about a metre wide in places, with a stone parapet. Only the northern part of the rampart is open, because the southern stretch is missing its floors and stairs or is under reconstruction. In town, look for the Dolfin Gate, carved with three dolphins in its coat of arms.

Visiting

Three defensive towers are on the route, and a stone staircase inside each leads to a platform with the widest views, so go up all three. Walk up from Tartini Square to the entrance at one of the wall's preserved gates. Tickets are sold per person and can be booked online before you go.

Come early in the morning or in the hour before sunset, when the light is best and fewer people are on the wall. Watch your footing on the approach, where the steps wobble and the cobbles are uneven. Plan for the walk along the wall, and allow longer if you stay for the sunset.

Guided or on your own

A one-hour guided walk of the walls starts on Ulica IX. korpusa in the old town, with groups of up to 40, so ask which language it runs in before you book. On your own you get the same view and can time the climb for the evening light.

Tips

Avoid the climb at midday in summer: it is hot and there is no shade on the walls. The steps turn slippery when wet, so leave flip-flops and heels behind and wear non-slip soles. Use the toilets and buy water in town first, since there is nothing on the wall.

Children from about six manage the walk, but hold their hands, as the parapets are low. Flying a drone over the walls or the old town needs permission.