BRUTI PALACE
The Bruti Palace, a treasure trove of history and culture, now serves as a central hub for books and learning, housing the town’s central library.
Built on the foundations of the former church of St. Dionysius, the Bruti Palace captivates with its Baroque elegance and rich history. The palace is attributed to the work of the Italian architect Giorgio Massari and today serves as the home of Koper’s central library. With its distinctive façade, imposing entrance, and reliefs recalling biblical stories, the palace vividly narrates the history of the town’s past and its prominent inhabitants. From the home of the noble Bruti family to a cultural center, the palace preserves the spirit of its times and serves as a bridge between the past and present.
The Baroque Bruti Palace, one of Koper’s finest architectural gems, was commissioned in the 18th century by the Bruti family, who moved to Koper from Albania in the second half of the 16th century. On the site of the former church of St. Dionysius, Italian architect Giorgio Massari designed a monumental building that, with its sumptuous façade, grand entrance, and intricate details, testifies to the rich history and culture of the town.
The interior of the palace is equally imposing, featuring a grand staircase leading to the main rooms, enriched with illusionistic paintings and stucco. Over the centuries, the palace has served a variety of purposes, from a noble residence to the town’s main cultural center. Today, it houses the town library, which preserves and promotes the rich heritage of Koper.
The library’s local studies section, which is a treasure trove of books from the town of Koper, is of exceptional value. It houses book collections from monastic, public and private libraries, reflecting the vibrant cultural pulse of Istria throughout history.
The transition from a nobleman’s home to a center of knowledge symbolizes the enduring value of education and culture in the town.
What to do?
The village of Popetre has been on the windward path since Roman times. Take a walk to the important points…
