Before becoming the heart of the city, Tartini Square was its port. Dedicated to the famous Piran-born violinist and composer, Tartini (1692-1770), it was created in 1894, when the inner basin of the port was filled in for health reasons. The statue of Tartini, by Antonio Dal Zotto, was erected there in 1896. The square, near which is located the violinist's house, is bordered by the neo-Renaissance town hall and the court, which adjoins the old St George's Gate.