Euphrasian Basilica

Poreč, Croatia

The Euphrasian Basilica complex, including a sacristy, baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region. The Basilica has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997.

The earliest basilica was dedicated to Saint Maurus of Parentium and dates back to the second half of the 4th century. The floor mosaic from its oratory, originally part of a large Roman house, is still preserved in the church garden. This oratorium was already expanded in the same century into a church composed of a nave and one aisle (basilicae geminae). The fish on the floor mosaic dates from this period. Coins with the portrayal of emperor Valens (365–378), found in the same spot, confirm these dates.

The present basilica, dedicated to Mary, was built in the sixth century during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. It was built from 553 on the site of the older basilica that had become dilapidated. For the construction, parts of the former church were used and the marble blocks were imported from the coast of the Sea of Marmara. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts. The construction took about ten years. Euphrasius, holding the church in his arms, is represented on one of the mosaics on the apse, next to St. Maurus.

Following the earthquake of 1440 the southern wall of the central nave of the basilica was restored, so that in place of the windows which were destroyed, other were built in the Gothic style.

The most striking feature of the basilica are its mosaics, dating from the 6th century. The mosaics which decorate the inside and facade of the church are considered a valuable bequest of Byzantine art, and thanks to the floor mosaics and preserved writings the periods of its construction and renovation can be read.

The apsis is dominated by the marble ciborium, modelled after the one in St. Mark's in Venice, it was built in 1277 on the orders of Otto, Bishop of Poreč. The canopy, decorated with mosaics, is carried by four marble columns that belonged to the previous 6th-century ciborium. The front side of the canopy depicts representations of scenes from Mary's life, the Annunciation. In the 15th century Bishop Johann Porečanin ordered in Italy a Renaissance relief for the antependium of the altar, made of gilded silver. The polyptych of the Venetian painter Antonio Vivarini dates from the same period. The Last Supper, painted by Palma the Younger is a Baroquework.

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Address

Ulica Matka Vlačića 22, Poreč, Croatia
See all sites in Poreč

Details

Founded: 553 AD
Category: Religious sites in Croatia

More Information

www.myporec.com
en.wikipedia.org
whc.unesco.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Jasmina Zubcic (16 months ago)
Amazing! Absolutely worth a visit! Too bad the complex does not offer organized and guided tours...such a lot of history there.
Brenda Kenyon (16 months ago)
I'm glad we took the opportunity to visit here x tickets about 10 pound each but it is an amazing world heritage site. It was very easy to get around with very clear signage and info leading you from one area to the next. The last stop has you emerging into the most beautiful church, certainly got a wow from me xx
Sandy Bates (16 months ago)
Numerous layers of history beneath your feet in the form of well preserved mosaic floors especially viewed through the trapdoor in the main building. Climbing the stairs to the bell tower also gives a rewarding 360 view. There is also a well preserved collection of embroidered garments displayed in the bishops palace dating back 200 years. Good value visit.
Bojan Miscevic (17 months ago)
Unesco world heritage site. Must see, amazing early christian art and depictions. Like using a time machine very humbling...
Mikael Andersén (18 months ago)
This is, by my reckoning, the most beautiful in Croatia. The mosaics are just breathtaking, and the history of the place certainly adds a lot to the ambiance. Amazing!
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