Piran Lighthouse, Slovenia
(from the Nika’s Tiny House 2020 calendar)
It has been said that beacons were once lit on the point,
The ‘Punta’ of the Gulf of Piran Peninsula
And the Greek word ‘pyr’, meaning fire
Might have been the word to inspire
The name ‘Piran’ on the Adriatic Sea
A medieval Istrian town in historic Slovenia…
The present lighthouse replaced a 17th century fortress,
Once part of the town’s ancient walls of stone,
Its tower and crenellations hinting at wealth,
Whilst the Church of Our Lady of Health
Endures, its plain exterior quite humbling,
Amongst Venetian architecture in style and tone…
The artwork’s doors and windows intrigue the viewer,
The front aspect of the church stands stark and defiant,
Its baroque features hidden from prying eyes
And beyond, the facilities and the tower rise:
Yet far in the distance history’s reality lurks,
The seascape and its lighthouse ever compliant…
Pete Ray
March 2020
Piran, Slovenia and Nika’s splendid wooden model of the lighthouse.
Many believe that Piran was named from the Greek word ‘pyrrhos’ however, meaning ‘red’, possibly referring to the red sedimentary rock found in the area, called ‘flysch’.
The church was originally named after St Clement but it was changed to Our Lady of Health, apparently in 1631.
‘Nika’s Tiny House’ seems like a fascinating collection of miniature wooden artwork…
Talented lady…
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