1st of May Square
Square, Piran
1st of May Square, formerly known as Old Square (Piazza Vecchia), is the historical center of the old Punta district in Piran. Major urban streets converge here, making it a key urban node.
Today, it is a popular gathering spot for children and a summer stage for musical, dance, and theatre performances.
In the Middle Ages, it was the administrative heart of the city. The old town hall once stood here; now the site is occupied by the Delfin Inn. The preserved Church of St. Donatus, built in the 14th century, now serves as an art gallery.
At the center of the square stands a stone rainwater cistern, built after a major drought in 1775. Roofs from nearby houses collected water, which passed through stone, sand, and gravel to be naturally filtered and stored in a large reservoir. Two smaller wells were used for maintenance and cleaning.
The cistern is decorated with two putto statues – one holding a fish, the other a vessel. This system is a rare example of 18th-century urban water infrastructure, now part of the square’s cultural identity.
The cinematic treasure of Piran
In 2025, the European Film Academy declared Piran’s First of May Square (Prvomajski trg) the first Slovenian Treasure of European Film Culture.
This prestigious recognition is awarded only to select European locations that have marked film history and continue to inspire creativity.
First of May Square has served as a backdrop for several unforgettable films – including Our Car (1962) by František Čap and the cult classic Summer in a Shell (1986).
Its distinct Mediterranean charm still attracts filmmakers from all over the world.
With this honour, Piran joins the ranks of cities like Rome, Paris, and Berlin, confirming its status as a film city with soul – where art, history, and life meet in one of Europe’s most stunning seaside settings.
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