BROLO SQUARE
Brolo Square, one of the oldest and most significant centers of Koper, boasts a rich history reflected in the diverse architectural styles and functions the square has served over the centuries.
Brolo Square, the historic heart of Koper, has served as a crucial center for supply and trade fairs for centuries. In the past, rainwater collected in the square was drained into a reservoir, a feature today commemorated by two Gothic fountains. Today, the square is a beautifully landscaped park, offering a green oasis in the heart of the town.
Noble families initially built their homes along this space, which shaped its architectural appearance. With the transfer of the administrative centre to Tito Square, interest in building declined, but in the late 17th and early 18th centuries the square acquired a representative character with its Baroque regulation, when imposing Baroque palaces were built on its edges.
In the square, you can discover several interesting buildings, such as the Bruti Palace, the Vissich-Nardi Palace and the former Fontico grain warehouse. Nearby there are also St James Church, the former Minorite Convent, St Francis Hall (Martin’s Square) and Gravisi Palace – Barbabianca. In the square there are two Gothic fountains, built in 1485, which were essential for collecting and filtering water, testifying to the practical function of the space throughout history. The fountains provided an essential source of water for the city over the centuries, especially in times of drought, epidemics and war.
Today, the square remains a living testimony to the historical development of Koper, offering visitors an insight into the interweaving of historical layers, from its etymological roots to its architectural heritage and social function. The landscaped park offers a pleasant green retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, while at the same time recalling the rich history of this central city centre.