Porec – Istria – Croatia is a town and municipality on the western coast of the peninsula. Being almost 2,000 years old, and set around a harbor protected from the sea by the small island of Sveti Nikola/San Nicola (Saint Nicholas).
Porec – Istria – Croatia is a place where all the values of traditional and modern Mediterranean come together. The charm of the old town with its mosaics and sights, the tradition of wine and olives groves and groceries, quiet coves, long coasts and green hills, wealth that we have enjoyed and preserved.
Porec – Istria
The Euphrasian Basilica (Croatian: Eufrazijeva bazilika) or the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, is the most important historical site in Porec. It is a protected World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in 1997. The episcopal complex, which comprises the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop’s palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region. The Euphrasian basilica has for the most part retained its original shape, but accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details. Among the total of three churches built on the same site, it conceals previous buildings, for example, the great floor mosaic of the previous basilica from the 5th century.
Porec – Istria
The most striking feature of the basilica are its mosaics, mostly with gold grounds. These date from the 6th century.
The mosaics in the triumphal arch over the apse represent Christ. holding an opened book with the Latin text “Ego sum lux vera“ (“I am the true light”) with the Apostles, each with their attribute. The arch below contains mosaic medallions with the Lamb of God and portraits of twelve female martyrs.
The vault over the apse, decorated with mosaics with Mary and Child, sitting on the Heavenly throne, under a wreath held by a hand – symbol of God the Father. This is the only surviving depiction of the Mother of God in an early-Christian western basilica. Flanked by angels, Bishop Euphrasius, holding the model of the church. Also depictions of local saints, including St. Maurus, the first bishop of Porec and the Istrian diocese, and the archdeacon Claudius . The child between Euphrasius and Claudius is accompanied by the inscription “Euphrasius, son of the archdeacon”. All figures stand on a meadow covered with flowers.
The central mosaics between the windows of the apse represent the Annunciation and the Visitation.
The church houses also holy objects and other artworks from the Palaeo-Christian, Byzantine and Middle Ages periods. A votive chapel, next to the sacristy, holds the relics of Saint Maurus and Saint Eleutherius.
Porec – Istria
The whole old part of the city, west of the three towers from the Middle Ages. A cultural monument. A fantastic example of a city built in the Middle Ages on a foundation according to an ancient urban plan. Also a symbolic connection to the Classical period. Preserved and witnessed through the names of the main old city streets which remain Decumanus and Cardo Maximus. As well as the Roman forum which carries the name the Marafor Square.
A few houses from the Romanesque period remain preserved in the city as well. Most of them are located down Decumanus and Cardo Street, beautiful Venetian gothic palaces.
Baredine Cave ( Croatian: Jama Baredine) is a karst phenomenon, geomorphological monument of nature and the first Istrian speleological site modelled to meet tourist demands. As a result, the cave is a real treasure of stalactites and stalagmites. Underground sculptures created by long lasting work of water. Due to the cave’s uniqueness, for example, the declaration as a monument of nature became almost upon discovery. Situated in the northern part of Istria, nearby Nova Vas. Between Poreč, Višnjan and Tar, only 5 km from the coastline. Surrounded by rich prehistoric archaeological sites, Histric forts, antic villas, medieval monasteries, and the still well-preserved, intact landscape.