Porec, Istria

Porec is a little town in northern Adriatic region of Istria. It is located on the western coast of Istria and it is the most famous tourist destination of Croatia.

No matter what you are interested in when on holidays, Porec has it all: sun, sea and well maintained beaches, natural beauty, cultural and historical monuments, great gastronomic offer, lots of sporting facilities, night entertainment and fun.

Poreč old town is located on the narrow peninsula, it dates back from the Roman times, but even today Porec preserved parts of its original architecture, street layouts and names. The old town of Porec is attraction for itself with its narrow, cobbled streets and Venetian style houses. Porec is well known for its attractions:

 

Basilica of Euphasius - a church, bell tower and complex of courtyards dating back to a Byzantine time. Basilica is specially known for its mosaics, and it is the reason why Porec is also known as “The Town of Mosaics”. You can climb bell tower and have a great look over the town. Inside the church there are carved stone arches, also very interesting to see. During the summer lots of classical concerts are held in the basilica. 

 

Porec’s Towers – although, according to some sources Porec once had 11 towers as the protection against invaders, today three of them are preserved: Pentagonal Tower, Round Tower and Northern Tower. They all date from 15th century.

 

Marafor Square - located at the tip of the peninsula, it dates back from the 1st century. Once it consisted of two temples: Mars and Neptune temple. Mars Temple was at the time the biggest roman sanctuary in Istria.

 

Mars’ Temple (The Great Temple) and Neptune’s Temple – northwest of the Marafor Square you can see the remains of the Great Temple dating back from the 1st century (foundations and a part of wall). The remains of The Neptune’s Temple are located in a park west of Marafor Square. The Neptune Temple was devoted to the God of the Sea. Today there are only small fragments of the ancient temple remaining.

 

Porec’s Houses – there are many lovely old houses in the old town of Porec. Gothic house in the main Decumanus Maximus street was built in 1473 in a gothic Venetian Style. Romanesque House was built in 13th century and it is the only house remained from that time. It has outside staircases and wooden balcony.