Byzantine history in Poreč

We ventured north to the town of Poreč to visit the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica that was constructed during Byzantine rule.  Officially the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary, this catholic church is an outstanding example of early Byzantine architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4th century mosaic floor

There were earlier churches on this site, and in the construction and preservation of the current building, numerous mosaic tile floors were discovered that date to the 4th century. Well-preserved floor fragments are on display, and other sections of flooring can be seen uncovered in their original placements. Very well-preserved mosaics also adorn the Apse.  We did a self-guided tour of the complex including climbing to the top of the 16th century bell tower for sweeping views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.

Rovinj

After our tour, we stopped in the town of Rovinj.  Rovinj was ruled by the Venetian empire for 500 years between 1283 to 1797.  The lion -- a symbol of Venice -- is prevalent throughout the town, and the remains of defensive walls and three city gates constructed by the Venetians still stand today.  The old city center is entirely pedestrian, and we walked the main cobblestone streets from the port up to the baroque church that sits centered at the top of a hill.

Laura in Rovinj

Coupled with Pula's well-preserved Roman history, Poreč and Rovinj showed us the character of other empires that once controlled Istria.  Even though Istria has not been a part of Italy for centuries, Italian is still spoken widely, and street signs still list names in both Croatian and Italian.  The past continues to influence the present.