The Euphrasian Basilica

Istria is full of monuments of sacred architecture, but the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč stands out among them. It is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in the world, which is why UNESCO declared it a world cultural heritage in 1997. The basilica, actually the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, was built in the 6th century by the then bishop of Poreč, Euphrazije.

At the time of the dying Roman Empire, Poreč wanted to rise from the position of a small provincial town, and one of his main moves was the construction of a cathedral on the site of the more modest old city basilica. He integrated it into a new large complex, thus bringing the desired transformation to this city with a rich past. Inspired by Byzantium, Euphrasius brought luxurious innovations here, previously unknown to the Western Roman Empire, which gave Poreč its current shape. The Euphrasian Basilica is therefore considered one of the best-preserved sacral monuments of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean.

Its greatest treasure is its magnificent mosaics, which are still perfectly preserved today. In the central part there is a depiction of the Virgin on the throne with Christ, surrounded by Bishop Euphrasia, archangels and St. Moor, the patron saint of Poreč. On the inner side of the triumphal arch there are representations of saints and Christ as the Lamb, while above the triumphal arch there is Christ Pantokrator with twelve apostles. In the 13th century, a beautiful ciborium, a marble canopy decorated with a mosaic in the shape of the starry sky, was built above the altar.

In addition to the basilica itself, the sacral complex consists of the parish church, the sacristy, the baptistery and bell tower, the Moor's oratory, as well as the nearby bishop's palace, which today houses the sacral collection of the Diocese of Poreč-Pula. Remains of mosaics from the 3rd century and monuments and art objects from the early Christian, early Byzantine and medieval periods were also found throughout the complex. When you leave the basilica complex, take a walk through the streets of the old town, which have preserved the ancient layout from the time when Poreč was, along with Pula, the oldest Roman colony in Istria. Explore the remains of the largest Roman temple in Istria, the city gates, ramparts and towers, beautiful palaces and other attractions of this ancient city.