Church & monasteryIstria

Euphrasian Basilica: the Byzantine jewel of Poreč, Istria

The Euphrasian Basilica (Eufrazijeva bazilika) is the cathedral of Poreč, on the Istrian coast, and is considered the best-preserved early Christian church in the world. Built from 553 in the time of Bishop Euphrasius, it is famed for its gold-ground Byzantine mosaics and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

The Euphrasian Basilica is the third church built on its spot, and traces of the earlier ones survive, including a 4th-century floor mosaic with a fish. In the apse, the bishop who built it holds a model of the church in his arms.

WhereOld town of Poreč, on the west coast of Istria

TypeEarly Byzantine cathedral basilica with an episcopal complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best forArt and history lovers, mosaic enthusiasts, UNESCO-site hunters

Getting thereIn the historic centre of Poreč, on the northern part of the small peninsula occupied by the old town

The history of the Euphrasian Basilica

The story of the site begins with a modest prayer room. In the 4th century an oratory that had been part of a large Roman house was enlarged into a church of two halls (basilicae geminae). The floor mosaic of that oratory is still preserved in the church garden, and the fish on the mosaic dates from this period, a dating backed by coins of Emperor Valens (365–378) found on the spot. A larger three-aisled church was later built over it, reusing parts of the older structure.

By the 6th century that church had become dilapidated. Bishop Euphrasius replaced it with the building seen today, started in 553 and finished in about ten years. Builders reused elements of the earlier church, marble blocks were imported from the coast of the Sea of Marmara, the wall mosaics were made by Byzantine masters and the floor mosaics by local craftsmen. The church was dedicated to Mary and now serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Poreč-Pula.

The architecture was innovative for its time. Two colonnades with 18 marble columns in all separate the nave from the aisles, and their richly carved capitals, some decorated with animals, carry the monogram of Euphrasius. Instead of a straight east wall, the central nave ends in an apse that is polygonal from the outside, while the two aisles end in smaller semicircular apses. This makes the basilica the earliest example of a triple-apsed church in Western Europe.

The mosaics, mostly on gold grounds, are the great glory of the church. On the triumphal arch Christ holds an open book with the words “Ego sum lux vera”, surrounded by the apostles, and beneath him run medallions with the Lamb of God and twelve female martyrs. In the apse vault Mary and the Child sit on a heavenly throne, flanked by angels, Bishop Euphrasius with the model of the church, and local saints including St Maurus, the first bishop of Poreč. The Annunciation and the Visitation are shown between the windows.

Later centuries added to the church rather than replacing it. In 1277 Bishop Oton had a large marble ciborium made, and after the earthquake of 1440 the southern wall of the nave was restored, with new Gothic windows in place of the destroyed ones. The complex also includes an octagonal baptistery, a bell tower, a colonnaded atrium and the former episcopal palace, which dates from the same Byzantine period as the basilica.

Curiosities about the Euphrasian Basilica

It is the third church on the same site and hides earlier buildings, including the large floor mosaic of the 5th-century basilica.
On the apse mosaic Bishop Euphrasius appears holding the church in his arms, next to St Maurus.
The Virgin enthroned in the apse is the only surviving depiction of the Mother of God in an early Christian basilica in the West, according to Wikipedia.
A child between Euphrasius and the archdeacon Claudius is labelled “Euphrasius, son of the archdeacon”.
The Visitation mosaic is an artistic rarity, as Mary is shown pregnant when she meets Elizabeth.
Every capital in the nave carries the monogram of Euphrasius, and the marble for the 6th-century church was brought from the Sea of Marmara.

Tours near Euphrasian Basilica

Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:

Poreč sunset sea kayaking tour

★ 4.9 (64 reviews) · 3 h

See details ›

Rovinj amazing kayak tour-free drink &snorkeling &jumps &photos

★ 5 (62 reviews) · 3 h

See details ›

1.5-hour Clear Kayak Rentals: Explore Verudela Cave & Islands

★ 5 (40 reviews) · 1.5 h

See details ›

Exploration of the Istrian Coast Poreč Rovinj Lim fjord and Vrsar

★ 4.7 (42 reviews) · 6 h

See details ›

Visiting the Euphrasian Basilica

Allow time for the whole complex, not only the church: the baptistery, the colonnaded atrium with its stone monuments, the bell tower and the bishop's palace belong to the same ensemble.
Look up at the apse and the triumphal arch for the gold mosaics, then at the capitals of the nave, which all show the monogram of Euphrasius.
The mosaic floor of the earlier oratory can be seen in the church garden, and archaeological remains lie beneath the building.
The bishop's palace now houses the sacral collection of the Poreč-Pula diocese, with religious objects and works of art from several periods.
The basilica is still an active cathedral, so check the current opening hours before you go.

Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.

Map: where Euphrasian Basilica is

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors

Photos of Euphrasian Basilica

Questions

Where is the Euphrasian Basilica and why is it famous?

It stands in the old town of Poreč in Istria and is famous for its 6th-century Byzantine mosaics, which are among the finest preserved in the Mediterranean. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

When was the Euphrasian Basilica built?

The present church was begun in 553 under Bishop Euphrasius and took about ten years to build. It stands on the site of earlier churches that go back to the 4th century.

Who was Euphrasius?

Euphrasius was the bishop of Poreč who had the basilica rebuilt in the 6th century. He is shown in the apse mosaic holding a model of the church.

What is special about the architecture?

It is the earliest example of a triple-apsed church in Western Europe, with a polygonal central apse and two smaller semicircular side apses.

Can you see older mosaics at the Euphrasian Basilica?

Yes. The floor mosaic of the 4th-century oratory is preserved in the church garden, and remains of earlier buildings lie below the present church.

Is the Euphrasian Basilica worth visiting when staying in Istria?

It is regarded as one of the most important sacred buildings in Croatia and combines architecture and mosaics from the 6th century, so most visitors to Poreč include it.