Tartini Square is named after Giuseppe Tartini, a violin virtuoso and  composer of music. He was born in Piran on 8th April 1692.

Tartini’s achievements in the sphere of violin virtuosity became a basis and stimulation for the later Paganini’s virtuosity and his unique violin technique.

Tartini created mostly instrumental music. He adored violin, and this is the reason why the majority of his concertos and sonatas were written for this particular instrument.*

For the 200th anniversary of the birth of their great artist (in 1892), the people of Piran wished to erect a monument. However the works took a lengthy time; and in 1896 they set up a larger than life-size bronze statue of the “master” on a high pedestal. The monument is the work of the Venetian sculptor Antonio dal Zotto. With its well considered positioning as it dominates the square and forms a unified whole with the Church of St. George, which dominates the town.**

*From Tartini House leaflet
** From The Tourist Guide to Piran

Tartini Square became the central square of Piran at the end of the 13th century, but it acquired its present appearance only in the 19th century. When the harbour (mandrač) was filled, the inhabitants of Piran made a large square around which they built all the major municipal  institutions (Town Hall, Court House, etc.) and apartment houses. One of the is the Gothic house called “Benecanka” (Venetian House), the only one which has kept its original style.

The square was named after the well-known Piran local violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), who made the name of his birthplace known throughout Europe.

The place where Tartini Square is located today was once a harbour for the fishing boats of Piran. the harbour used to be outside the town walls, because the oldest, partly preserved walls stretched behind the present Town Hall.