UNESCO:Euphrasian Basilica, Porec~

From today on, a brand-new Menu point will be available of some UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve seen and visited during my trips. It will contain information about the building/natural site, when and why it became a heritage site, entrance fees, interesting facts and other data about how to visit.

I wanted to start with the Euphrasian Baslica of Porec, Croatia. It is one of the best preserved Byzantine edifices in the Mediterranean area. The current form of the church (although small details have been altered throughout history because of fires, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes) has been standing since the 6th century and was built during the time of bishop Euphrasius (thus the name). It was constructed over two buildings, the first dates from the 4th century and was dedicated to St. Maurus of Parentium. The amazing thing is, that the floor mosaic of the edifice’s oratory has until this day remained in a pretty good shape, and it can be visited! The thing that makes one of a kind is that, differing from other religious structures in the region, the all the basic components of the Basilica have all been preserved (atrium, church, memorial chapel, baptistery and episcopal palace)

Due to these specific factors and the fact that it is an illustrious example of an early Christian episcopal ensemble, in 1997 the Euphrasian Basilica has been proclaimed a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The tour starts with a visit to the Bishop’s Palace, a museum filled with ancient mosaics and stone fragments. It then continues with a climb to the tower, offering tourists a breathtaking view of the wonderful city of Porec and its seashore. The entrance fee (if I’m informed correctly) is 30 Kunas (which is around 4 Euros), and the opening hours are from 7 a.m to 8 p.m. daily. Be sure to be dressed and behave correctly, giving respect to both the heritage site, and the people who run it !

Finally, I would like to end this post with some shots (only a few) I made of the basilica last year!