The Municipality of Koper is the fourth largest municipality in terms of population in Slovenia. Although not the largest, it is undoubtedly the most diversified municipality on our soil. It is located between two neighboring countries, Croatia and Italy, and is surrounded by the municipalities of Piran, Izola, Ankaran and Hrpelje – Kozina, the Bay of Koper and the Croatian part of Istria, which is an integral part of this beautiful region.
The story of Koper began to be written in the Middle Bronze Age, 1500 BC. Koper used to be an island, its oldest settlement dates back to the pre-Roman and Roman periods.
Aegida, Capris, Justinopolis, Insula Capraria, Caput Histriae, Capo D`Istria, Koper. These are some different conceptions of the city, which many governments and countries left their mark on, changed its name and image, and of all the cities of Slovenian Istria, changed it the most. There was a long way from the former Goat Island on the rocky island (Capris) to the economic center of Slovenian Istria. Today’s image of the city always has its roots in the past. Knowing how to maintain coexistence between them is an art.
The Romans named it Capris, in the time of Pope Gregory I it was Insula Capraria (Goat Island), for the Byzantines Justinopolis, for the Aquileian patriarchs Caput Histriae. Only the Venetians gave it the Italian version of today’s name Koper – Capo d’Istria. It was the Venetians who ruled here for the longest time and it was a time of economic and cultural prosperity. We still feel especially cultural today. Koper is, not without reason, included in the Association of Historical Cities.
The following were also important for Koper:
- historical time until the First World War,
- Napoleonic and Habsburg times;
- the time of the shrinking of the salt pans, when Koper lost its image of an island.
The time of road connection with land and sea and railway with Trieste and Poreč is important. The time after World War II was a time of great political change and the basis for the development of Koper into the economic center of the region. A center where maritime, nautical, bathing and sports tourism breathe well and better.
A range of cultural experiences enrich the city’s streets and squares throughout the year, especially in the summer months. The youth brought to the city by the seat of the young University of Primorska adds a special charm to Koper, a city with a rich past, a brave present and just such a future.
Koper boasts a modern sports infrastructure. Bonifika Sports Park combines a large football and athletics stadium, a multi-purpose sports hall, a fenced trim track, an indoor Olympic pool, a tennis complex, etc.
