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.