Viking: Empires of the Mediterranean Cruise
(The Adriatic Sea), July 21-31, 2024

The Cathedral Church of the Assumption dates back to the 12th century

but is often recognized for it's massive bell tower, with an Italian bell from 1333.

Despite the rather plain outside, the interior is quite elegant

If we were told who was buried in the elegant sarcophagus, I forgot, and Google was no help.

The church had a very elegant organ, but tacky metal chairs for the choir.

The Praetorian Palace forms one side of Tito Square, and is the home of the city government. Historical records date back to before 1254.

Another side of Tito square. Tito was a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and politician who served in various positions of national leadership from 1943 until his death in 1980, and still has an impact on the countries that evolved from Yugoslavia. Technically Slovenia is a Parliamentary Republic, but our guide pointed out that the standard wage for everyone was €18,000 per year, including physicians. Since doctors who wanted to be well paid moved elsewhere there was a shortage of doctors. To get an appointment a gift of chocolates was often given, making most doctors fat.

Professionally our guide was an artist, making the standard wage. During periods of underemployment, the work week was reduced to 20 hours or whatever was required to achieve full employment, with no more than 10% overtime allowed. The government hired excess workers to clean and enhance the communities. Homeless people are given shelter and taught to work until they are fully functional members of the community. The mayor is elected frequently, and usually runs on the promise of clean public toilets.

Since our guide earns money besides his salary as an artist, his annual income is €25,000 putting him in the top 10% of wealthy people in the country.

The streets are narrow, so in the frequent wars there is limited room for the attacking forces (no tanks or large trucks)

The slightly curved streets do not form a grid pattern, reducing the distance enemies can see or shoot.

Still, there are very attractive buildings.

Koper is an island, so water has to be brought over 2 miles from a spring. A wooden pipe was used from the 14th century until recently, to bring water for the entire community to this Da Ponte Fountain.

The Viking Sea docked at Chioggia (the seaport for Venice Italy) on Tuesday evening. Our bags were collected at 10 pm and we had to assemble at 5:15 am for the 90 minute bus ride to the Venice airport (on 2 lane roads, no expressways)