Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IZOLA
05 / POP 11,223
Izola, a somewhat scruffy fishing port 7km southwest of Koper, is the poor relation
among the historical towns on the Slovenian coast, especially compared with genteel Pir-
an. As a result, it is often bypassed by foreign visitors. But Izola does have a certain Vene-
tian charm, a few narrow old streets, and some nice waterfront bars and restaurants where
you might linger.
Almost everything of a practical nature is located around central Trg Republike. Buses
stop in front of the Bela Skale travel agency at Cankarjev drevored 2 on the square's
southeastern edge. To reach the Old Town and its main square, Veliki trg, walk north
along Sončno nabrežje, the waterfront promenade.
History
The Romans built a port called Haliaetum at Simon's Bay (Simonov Zaliv) southwest of
the Old Town, and you can still see parts of the original landing when the tide is very low.
While under the control of Venice in the Middle Ages, Izola - at that time an island (
isola
is Italian for 'island') - flourished, particularly in the trading of such commodities as
olives, fish and wine. But a devastating plague in the 16th century and the ascendancy of
Trieste as the premier port in the northern Adriatic destroyed the town's economic base.
During the period of the Illyrian Provinces in the early 19th century, the French pulled
down the town walls and used them to fill the channel separating the island from the
mainland. Today, Izola is the country's foremost fishing port.
