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The Travels of BBQboy and Spanky

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Porec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Euphrasian Basilica

Porec's UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Euphrasian Basilica

Porec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Euphrasian Basilica

I had never heard of the Euphrasian Basilica, much less did I know that Porec had a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of seven UNESCO sites in Croatia).

Porec is a small seaside town, similar to both Rovinj and Novigrad in size and geography (all are located on spits of land sticking out into the sea). It’s a pretty place with white limestone pavement and is a popular base for tourists who want a holiday of rest and relaxation on the Istrian coast. It’s a laid back town. What makes it spectacular is the Euphrasian Basilica.

 

Porec's UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Euphrasian Basilica
Below: Street entrance to to the Basilica complex

 


 

 

I would usually write a bit about the history of the site. In this case, being a UNESCO site, they’ve done a great job with placards and signs. This placard describes well how today’s present-day Basilica came to be.

 

Euphrasian Basilica sign, Porec, Croatia

 

the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, Croatia
inner courtyard of the complex.

 

The complex, besides the actual Basilica, includes a sacristy, a baptistry, and a bell tower. What makes the Euphrasian Basilica complex so spectacular is its use of mosaics. Floor mosaics covered the original church built in the 4th century (you’ll see them in remnants of them indoors). In the church ‘garden’, you’ll see the mosaic floor of what used to be a Roman house. But the most spectacular use of mosaics is in the apse (the ‘bowl’ above the alter) in the Basilica itself. The apse is not painted as in most churches, it is entirely covered in mosaics of rich tones that sparkle in the light (as you’ll see in photos below). It actually made our jaws drop, something that doesn’t happen often.

 

mosaics in Porec's Euphrasian Basilica
Below: fragments of floor mosaics dating back to the 4th century

 


 

 

Porec's UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Euphrasian Basilica

mosaics in Porec

Porec's UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Euphrasian Basilica
Below: Floor mosaic in the garden, remains of a Roman house.

 

the Euphrasian Basilica, Porec
Incredible mosaics in the apse of the Basilica.

 

the Euphrasian Basilica, Porec

 

the Euphrasian Basilica
remaining mosaic in a side chapel to the Basilica.

 


 

 

The Basilica’s bell tower is worth the small climb for views over Porec. Spanky doesn’t do tower climbs but did it here after being assured that it was an easy and safe climb. It was.

 

Porec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Euphrasian Basilica
bell tower from the courtyard.

 

Views over the Adriatic in Porec, Croatia

views in Porec Croatia

views in Porec, Croatia
Views from the top of the belltower

 

Porec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Euphrasian Basilica
The Basilica’s location right next to the sea

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More of Porec

As mentioned above, Porec is a pretty and laid back town that can easily be be explored within an hour or two. A few photos:

main street, Porec, Croatia
main street cutting through the old town.

 

bell tower in Porec, Croatia
views of the Basilica’s bell tower through an old gate. 

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old town, Porec, Croatia

 

old town Porec, Croatia

church in Porec, Croatia
large square and church at the entrance to the old town.  

 

Would we recommend a visit to Porec? DEFINITELY. There are two main historical sites in Istria that are a MUST: the Amphitheatre in Pula and the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec.

 


 

 

Practical Information on Porec

Tours: This 90 minute walking tour of Porec is recommended.

Accommodation. Thinking of staying a night or two in Porec? Some recommendations: Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence (right in the center, very nice), Apartman Kika (old town, good value, very nice apartment).

You need a car to get outside Rovinj and explore Istria. Have a look at my post on car rental in Croatia and the most scenic drives.

 

 

Related: Exploring the highlights of Croatian Istria

Related: Exploring the Best of Central Dalmatia

Related: The Hilltowns of Istria. And which you should visit…

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Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.

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Hi! We are Frank & Lissette from Canada. We sold our home in 2014 and have been travelling the world ever since.

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