Koper

A visit to Capodistria means being catapulted into a port of the “Serenissima” Republic of Venice that administered the city for almost five centuries.
 
As you set ashore from your MSC cruise ship and take a stroll through the historic centre you will see certain features that are very similar to what you see in Venice: calli (typical narrow streets of Venice), campi (small squares), broli (assembly squares)... lions of St. Mark, coat of arms of the nobility and rulers adorning the facades of the palaces.

One of the most attractive expressions of this urban fabric is the Via Calegaria, traditionally dedicated to trade and artisans’ workshops, especially shoemakers. Amongst the most interesting excursions one can take during an MSC cruise of the Mediterranean is to the marina of Porta Maggiore, up to the porticos of the Palazzo Pretorio (the praetorian palace), rebuilt in the mid-15th century, in Piazza del Duomo. The church has a beautiful 15th century façade with portals made by Pietro Lombardo, its 18th century interiors also host Saint Nazarius’ alabaster sarcophagus made in 1422 by Filippo De Sanctis; even older than the Duomo, built between the 12th and 13th century, is the bell tower.

The entire historic centre of Capodistria is to be admired, from the Romanesque building (Casa Percauz, 13th or 14th century) to the many late medieval gothic buildings of the brolo and along the Via Calegaria; the buildings of Tuscan origin designed with the characteristic "gheffo", the jutting out upper floors, or the Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classic buildings.

In alternative you can enjoy an excursion to Lubiana, the capital of Slovenia, a very beautiful city and yet to be discovered in which different architectural styles coexist harmoniously. One can explore Lubjana with a tour along the river that cuts in in two, but also interesting are the Ponte Triplo (triple bridge), the splendid Tivoli gardens, and a visit to the Castle that towers over the city or the market, the heart of the city which will add unforgettable memories to your cruise.