ŠKOCJAN CAVES PARK AND PIRAN
Experience classic Karst area, near Divača, where you can observe extraordinary underground canyon, basic research on karst phenomenon, rich archaeological heritage and great biodiversity. Then continue trip to the city Piran- the old seaport.
Škocjan Caves Park is located in the extreme north east part of the classic Karst area, near Divača. Due to its extraordinary underground canyon, basic research on karst phenomenon, rich archaeological heritage and great biodiversity, Škocjan Caves were included in the UNESCO natural and cultural world heritage sites list in 1986. In 1999 it was also added to the Ransar List of Wetlands of International Importance as an underground wetland site. A further accolade followed in 2004 when the entire park area was included in UNESCO’s MAB (Man and Biosphere) programme as the Karst Biosphere Reserve. You can observe numerous caves and passages, collapsed dolines, natural bridges and sinkholes created by the Reka River. Its rich cultural heritage also includes certain rare or indigenous subterranean animals as well as the diverse dry karst meadows on the surface.
The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula, which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran. The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look. Piran is a very special, precious coastal town and is the best preserved cultural monument of Slovenian Istria and the closest neighbour of Portorož, the luxurious city of flowers. Tartini Square is the gem found in the very centre of Piran. It was named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who made the town world-famous. The city is surrounded by a circular wall. Piran is a member of the European Walled Cities Association. The city of Piran is a national historical monument and numerous events take place all year round in the open and in magnificent buildings named after famous people from Piran. The Church of. St. George, the patron saint of Piran, rises above the town. From its lookout tower you have a wonderful view of Piran and its surroundings and all the way across the sea to the Croatian and Italian Coast.