Year of inscription on the UNESCO list: 1997
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is probably the most beautifl example of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean. The Basilica was built in the VIth century, in the time of the bishop Euphrasius and the emperor Justinian the Ist. Due to its enormous historical value and beauty the complex of the Basilica was in 1997 enrolled on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Construction of the Basilica, or the cathedral of Marys Ascention as it is called, started in 553 at the foundations of the earlier tri-naval basilica. The architecture of the Basilica suffered numerous changes through time, so the edifice we se today is actually the third churhc built in a gothic style.
Apart from the cathedral, the protected complex of the Euphrasian Basilica includes the parish church, the sacristy, the baptistry, the bell tower and a nearby bishops palace.
The glittering mosaics covering the interior and the facade of the Basilica date back to the IIIrd century and present one of the most beautiful preserved pieces of Byzatnine art. The mosaics over the apse depict the Apostols with Jesus, while the central mosaics depict the biship Euphrasius holding a model of the Basilica, Virgin Mary with Jesus on her lap and various saints sufferes, especially St. Maruo - first bishop and patrion saint of the city of Poreč and the whole Istrian diocese. The edge of the arch holds medallions depicting the sufferers, while the two main mosaics depict the Annunciation and the Visitation.
The tri-naval catherdal is supported by two lines of slim marbel pillars with luxurios capitels. Furthermore, the Basilica holds a collection of valuable sacral and art object dating to early christianity, eary Byzantine period and medieval times.
