ARMERIJA AND FORESTERIJA

The Armerija and the Foresterija, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, were originally separate buildings that were later joined together. Originally intended as an armory during the Venetian Republic, the Armerija later became the city’s savings bank or pawn house, which aimed to assist the poorer sections of the population. Over time, it acquired the role of the mayor’s office, underlining its central place in the governance of the city. The transformations of the Armerija over time reflect the changing needs and priorities of the city’s population, evolving from defense requirements to social support and administrative functions.

The Foresterija, also known as the Albergo nuovo, was designed to receive and accommodate guests of the podesta of Koper. Its function and its location near the Praetorian Palace testify to the importance of hospitality and political diplomacy at the time. The development of the Foresterija, evolving from the foundations of the older Casa della Pesa to the complex with the Praetorian Palace, mirrors the growth and evolution of Koper as a prominent urban center of power and culture.

Together, the Armerija and the Foresterija have undergone many architectural and functional changes. The inclusion of the Renaissance portal of the Porta del Corte in the Foresterija emphasizes the aesthetic and symbolic value of the buildings. Subsequent alterations and renovations have helped to merge the buildings into a single complex, which now encloses the western side of the main town square.

The restoration work and conservation research carried out over the past decades have underscored the importance of preserving historic buildings as living witnesses to history and culture. Today, the Armerija and Foresterija serve not only as educational institutions but also as monuments that narrate the story of Koper’s past, present, and future to its residents and visitors.