Early-Christian Euphrasius Basilica Complex in Poreč

A very special treasure awaits visitors in Porec, a medieval town on the west coast of Istria. The sight of the defiant defense towers and still well-preserved city walls clearly suggests that there is something valuable here definitely worth protecting. Rising from the northern part of the peninsula is the treasure of Porec: the Euphrasian Basilica. Since 1997, cathedrals and their surrounding buildings have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The cathedral in its present form was the same church that looked over the 6^th Century town. It is one of the most important examples of late antiquity and early Byzantine art in the Adriatic region, especially since the sacred building has remained virtually unchanged. It owes its name to the Bishop Euphrasius who completely renovated and re-equipped the cathedral in the 6^th Century. Especially remarkable is its extraordinary, harmonious mix of early Christian architecture, classicism and Byzantine aesthetics, which is found in the cathedral. The Euphrasian is known above all for its stunningly beautiful, richly decorated walls and floor and apse mosaics. The finest of marble, the ornate moldings and inlay with mother of pearl stone all bear witness to the master skill involved in the construction of the cathedral and witnessed how the church gained its foothold in this region.