Portoroz History

History of Portoroz starts in Roman times. Archaeological findings revealed a variety of estates known as villae rusticae. In 6th century AD Istria fell under Byzantium rule and after invasion of Langobards and later Slavs in 7th century AD Istria lost ist political and cultural integrity.

Lands were later owned by many margraves or counts (governors of Carolingian medieval border provinces). Cities along the coast wanted more independence from feudal lords and were seeking support from Venice.

The situation was ideal for the arrival of many christian monks and the first to settle were Benedictines. The Portoroz bay got the name from one of oldest churches from early 13th century: Portus sanctae Mariae de Rosae - hence the name Portorose or in Slovenian Portorož.