CROATIA ~ Euphrasian Basilica - Porec - UNESCO ~

...Nice view of the atrium, a beautiful open-air courtyard with columns that were brought from Istanbul...  a rather small yet very impressive complex of buildings in the middle of the Old Town... this characterful and picturesque seaside town on the west coast of Istria has a long history, dating back to Roman times... the basilica is one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art with wonderful mosaic decorations... not only is it an impressive site for the art and architecture, it’s also a great example of early Christianity in this part of the world... today, it is still used for church services, even though there is an archaeological side to the site... Thanks Nikola!(✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Ivan Coric
The basilica was built in 553 under the bishop Euphrasius on the site of the older basilica that had become in decline. All basic components such as the church, memorial chapel, atrium, baptistery, and episcopal palace have been preserved, but have undergone changes over time. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts. 

It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997.

 

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of EUROPA Stamps 1956-2006 

(Issued 08-09-2005)

Croatian Marian Shrines

(Issued 10-06-2025)