A town built on salt
Piran is the most beautiful town on the Slovenian coast. It enchants with its narrow streets, captivates with the openness of its grand central square, and fascinates with remarkable stories from its past. Its essence has always been salt-infused.
This photogenic coastal gem flourished through the trade of precious salt. Its origins trace back to ancient tribes, while its beauty has been shaped by Venetian influences. Today, the entire town is protected as cultural heritage, boasting countless historical landmarks.
With its unique charm, Piran attracts visitors who appreciate the treasures of the past while embracing the vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere of the present.
Did you know that Piran now holds a very special film title?
First of May Square in Piran – Slovenia’s first treasure of European Film Culture
In 2025, the European Film Academy declared Piran’s First of May Square (Prvomajski trg) the first Slovenian Treasure of European Film Culture.
This honor is awarded only to select European locations that have shaped film history and inspire creators with their unique atmosphere.
First of May Square in Piran is considered one of Slovenia’s most iconic film locations:
- Czech director František Čap chose it for his legendary comedy Our Car (1962),
- in the 1980s, it shone in the cult classic Summer in a Shell (1986),
- and today, both domestic and international film crews continue to shoot here.
With this recognition, Piran joins the ranks of cities like Rome, Paris, Berlin, and Lisbon, all proud of their own “cinematic treasures.”
It confirms that Piran is not only a gem of architecture and the sea, but also a film city with soul – where stories, art, and life meet in one of Europe’s most picturesque coastal settings.
Next time you stroll through First of May Square, remember: you’re walking through a film set that has become part of Europe’s cultural history.
Explore the Legends of Piran
Free mobile app – Nexto
The free Nexto app offers a playful way to explore Piran through quizzes, challenges, and tasks using augmented reality for an interactive city tour.
Discover key landmarks, engage in active exploration, meet historical figures, solve puzzles, unlock virtual souvenirs and 3D artifacts, and travel back in time on your own pace.
Cultural Treasures of Piran
The handy brochure with a map features six thematic routes. You can download it for free and start discovering the treasures of the local area right away.
