28 and 29 Sept - Silversea cruise and Piran, Slovenia.

The cruise begins! Judi and Bob arrived and we sailed on the evening of 28 Sept from Venice. Beautiful night!

29 Sept - Piran, Slovenia: We did an ebike tour, I did a quick dip in the Adriatic, then visited the St George church (patron saint of the cavalry and climbed to the top of the clock tower), and an old fortress.

Piran is a charming coastal town located on the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia. Its history is rich and influenced by various cultures and empires over the centuries. Piran's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of habitation by the Illyrians and later the Romans. The Romans established a settlement known as "Piranum," which served as a port and trading hub.

During the medieval period, Piran became an important center for trade and commerce, particularly due to its strategic location. The town was part of the Patriarchate of Aquileia and later fell under the influence of the Venetian Republic in the 13th century. This period saw significant development in architecture and urban planning. Under Venetian rule, from the 15th to the 18th centuries, Piran flourished. The Venetians fortified the town and constructed many of its iconic buildings, including the Church of St. George. The influence of Venetian culture is still evident in Piran's architecture and layout.

In the late 18th century, Piran came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This period brought about changes in administration and infrastructure, contributing to the town's growth.

After World War I, Piran became part of the Kingdom of Italy. Following World War II, the town was included in Yugoslavia. In 1991, Slovenia declared independence, and Piran became part of the newly formed state. Today, Piran is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful coastal scenery, attracting tourists from around the world.

Piran's rich history is a tapestry woven from various cultural influences, making it a unique and fascinating destination in Slovenia.