The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč: a visitor's guide

Poreč is a holiday town with a Roman street plan and a sixth-century cathedral at its heart. The Euphrasian Basilica is the reason the old town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it is worth an hour of any visit to Poreč, even on a beach holiday.

A short history

Christians worshipped on this site from the 4th century. The first oratory was linked to St Maurus, the first bishop of Poreč. A larger basilica followed in the 5th century. Around 553, Bishop Euphrasius began the church you see today, the third on the site, and filled it with mosaics by craftsmen from the Byzantine world. The complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

What to see

The apse mosaics

Stand in front of the main altar and look up. On a gold background, the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child sits enthroned between angels. To one side, Bishop Euphrasius holds a model of his church, next to St Maurus and other figures. Below them are scenes such as the Annunciation and the Visitation, and on the arch above, Christ with the apostles. In the late afternoon the gold catches the light.

The atrium

You enter through a square colonnaded courtyard with porticoes on all four sides. Stone fragments from the town’s history are displayed under the arches.

The baptistery

The octagonal baptistery in front of the church dates back to the 5th century and was later altered. It connects to the bell tower.

The bell tower

The 16th-century bell tower can be climbed. From the top you look over the red roofs of the old town, the harbour and St Nicholas island.

The bishop’s palace and the old floors

The bishop’s palace holds a collection of stone carvings and, in places, floor mosaics of the earlier churches beneath the present level. In the garden, look for the fish mosaic from the original oratory.

Tips for your visit

• Go early or late. In July and August, tour groups crowd the old town around midday.
• Dress respectfully. It is an active church: cover shoulders, and avoid visiting during Mass.
• Buy tickets on site. There is an entry fee for the complex; check current opening hours before you go.
• Combine it with a walk. The basilica is a few steps off the Decumanus, the main street. Our old town walking guide links it with the Roman forum and the medieval towers.
• Summer concerts. Classical concerts are often held in the basilica in summer; look for posters in town.

Getting there from the villas

• From Villa Duga in Špadići the basilica is 3.7 km away, a 10-minute drive or a pleasant bike ride along the coast.
• From Villa Bina and Villa Cvita Domenica in Labinci it is about 11 km, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Park in one of the paid car parks around the old town; the centre is pedestrian.