Poreč

Poreč is a town located in the western part of Croatia. Established by the Romans, it is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the country.

Sights & Activities

Its most prominent religious landmark is the Euphrasian Basilica, built in the 6th century. Its value lies beyond its fine Byzantine architectural style. It is also a cultural icon of the town and of the whole region. It was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Built on the site of an earlier basilica, parts of it can be viewed at the church garden. The present structure is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built during the leadership of Bishop Euphrasius, from whom the basilica was named. The basilica bears beautiful mosaics that are considered among the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world. On the apsis is a marble ciborium that was built in the 13th century. There are also works of art that adorn this part of the basilica, particularly the polyptych made by Antonio Vivarini. The basilica is also a popular venue for musical performances during the summer season.
Another historic building in town is the Sincic palace, a Baroque structure constructed in the 18th century. The palace now houses the Native Museum of Poreč, which showcases several interesting items including Roman stone monuments, ceramics dated from the prehistoric times, a collection of paintings, and sculptures made during the Middle Ages. The museum also keeps an extensive library containing ancient books and documents.
Across the town’s harbor is the Saint Nicholas Island, which features a white lighthouse built in 1402. It is considered one of the oldest lighthouses in the whole coast of the Adriatic Sea. Though already non-operational, it still provides an interesting piece of landmark to this small yet beautiful island.
The beaches of Poreč are part of the town’s attractions for visitors who opt to come back year after year to enjoy its calm waters and the availability of facilities for water sports.
A promenade also runs through the old part of the town, where visitors can stroll along and enjoy the views of the harbor and feel the breeze gently blowing in. It is also a pleasant place to watch sunsets with a loved one. Also located within the old town are Roman ruins, particularly that of Temple of Neptune and the ruins of the Great Temple. These structures are identified to be from the 2nd century. There are also several sarcophagi scattered all over the place, remnants of what could have been a bustling Roman town.
Another interesting sight within the town is the Pentagonal tower that was built in 1447 as part of the town’s defense.
Walking along the streets of Poreč will yield sights of Venetian Gothic houses that manifest the town’s rich heritage.

Weather

Like its surrounding towns and cities, Poreč enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that is pleasant the whole year through. Summer lets people enjoy the outdoors and the beach, as sunshine is abundant and the sea water is of comfortably warm temperature. Winter rarely produces snow and there is still abundant sunshine albeit the air is cool and sometimes frosty. Spring and autumn are both described to be pleasant and ideal for staying outdoors.