History Slider Templates

2nd millennium BC – 756

PREHISTORIC AND ROMAN-BYZANTINE PERIOD

Traces of settlement in the Koper area extend back to the Middle Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. This is evidenced by the numerous cave sites along the Karst Edge.

2nd MILLENNIUM BC

Hillforts from the Kaštelir culture emerge, with the Kaštelir hillfort near Koper, situated above Jelarji, being the most characteristic and extensively studied.

3RD – 1ST MILLENIUM BC

The oldest phase of settlement on the island of Koper is reflected in written sources mentioning the toponyms Aegida and Capris.

AROUND 570

The Byzantine Emperor Justin II (565–578) granted the Istrians permission to establish the city of Iustinopolis on the island known as Capris.

Middle Ages

MIDDLE AGES

On the territory of Koper, at the mouth of the Rižana River, a significant assembly (placitum in territorio Caprense) was held in the presence of three envoys of Charlemagne (768–814). They addressed the grievances of the Istrian towns against the Frankish Duke Johannes. The document also references the Slavs, who had been settling in Istria since the 7th century.

932

In that year, Koper and Venice concluded a treaty of commerce and friendship, which regulated the safety and navigation of the northern Adriatic.

1145

Following a failed revolt in which Koper and Pula were involved, Koper swore an oath of “eternal fidelity” (fidelitas) to the Venetians. In the same year, a document referres Koper as “Iustinopolis id est Caput Istriae” (Iustinopolis is the Capital of Istria).

Koper – an independent commune

KOPER – AN INDEPENDENT COMMUNE

Koper becomes an independent commune with its own elected authority structure.

1239

This period marks the first mention of the city statute of Koper. Patriarch Bertold of Andechs, Duke of Merania, establishes political control over the city.

1260-1265

The Franciscans settle in Koper and build the church and monastery of St Francis.

Under Venetian supremacy

UNDER VENETIAN SUPREMACY

The Venetian Republic asserts its dominance over Koper through military force, compelling the city to once again pledge allegiance to Venice.

1370

Petrus Paulus Vergerius Sr, born in Koper (1370-1444), philosopher and pedagogue, precursor of humanism.

1380

During the “War of Chioggia,” the Genoese attack and plunder Koper, seizing the relics of the city’s patron saint, St. Nazarius. The relics were returned to Koper in 1422

1391-1392

Rehabilitation and construction efforts are undertaken to improve the town’s water supply system and build the fontico, a storage facility for salt.

1440

The beginnings of printing in Koper.

Koper – the administrative, political and cultural capital of Istria

KOPER – THE ADMINISTRATIVE, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL CAPITAL OF ISTRIA

The island city’s economic boom and population growth have spurred its expansion and development. The city has also developed a strong reputation for its vibrant cultural scene and the arts.

1490

Fresco painter John of Kastav, commissioned by parish priest Tomić Vrhović of Kubed, adorns the interior of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje.

1554-1555

Plague ravages the city and surrounding areas. Between 1630 and 1631, a severe plague kills two-thirds of the city’s population.

1561

Santorio Santorio, born in Koper, famous physician, author of “De statica medicina” and inventor of the thermometer.

1565

The Protestant Bishop of Koper, Petrus Paulus Vergerius Jr. (1498-1565), who assisted Primož Trubar in printing the first Slovenian books, died in exile in Tübingen, Germany.

1571

Koper participated in the significant naval Battle of Lepanto with its own galleys, commanded by Gian Domenico Tacca.

1643

Birth of the organist and composer Antonio Tarsia from Koper.

The fall of Serenissima; Napoleon and a century of Austrian rule

THE FALL OF THE SERENISSIMA; NAPOLEON AND A CENTURY OF AUSTRIAN RULE

Following the fall of the Venetian Republic, Koper experienced a populares uprising against the despised aristocracy, leading to the establishment of a provisional Austrian government and subsequent administrative and political changes.

1809

Istria, together with Trieste, joins the Illyrian Provinces.

1814

Austria reoccupies Istria and establishes a provisional administration

1822

Construction of an embankment and a road linking the island of Koper to the mainland (Semedela).

1870

The first Istrian camp in Kubed, where the Istrian Slovenians voted in favour of the United Slovenia programme.

1902

The construction of the narrow-gauge Trieste-Poreč railway, also known as the Parenzana, improved connectivity by alleviating the poor road links between Koper’s hinterland and Trieste.

1910

First Istrian Provincial Exhibition in Koper (Prima esposizione provinciale istriana).

The interbellum period

THE INTERBELLUM PERIOD

The period between the two wars was characterized by Italian occupation, the Marezige rebellion, and peasant demonstrations.

1918

Italian occupation of Koper.

1921

The Marezige Rebellion, the first uprising against fascist violence during the parliamentary elections.

Liberation of Koper and post-war development

THE LIBERATION OF KOPER AND POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT

In May 1945, Koper was liberated and came under the control of Yugoslav partisans following the surrender of Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. In the post-war period, Koper experienced significant transformations, including the development of its port, advancements in transportation, industrial growth, urbanization, and overall economic expansion.