Page 58 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

56  CRO A TIA AREA B Y AREA

Poreč: Euphrasian Basilica
Eufrazijeva bazilika

This 6th-century church, a Byzantine masterpiece, is
decorated with splendid mosaics on a gold background.
The Euphrasian Basilica was built for Bishop Euphrasius
between 539 and 553, by enlarging the existing 4th-century
Oratory of St Maurus Martyr. Some of the original floor
mosaics still survive. Over the centuries the building has
undergone numerous alterations. In December 1997 the
basilica was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Classical concerts are held in the church in July and August.

. Ciborium
Dominating the presbytery is a
beautiful 13th-century ciborium,
supported by four marble
columns. The canopy is
decorated with mosaics.

. Apse Mosaics
Mosaics from the 6th century cover the apse. On the triumphal
arch are Christ and the Apostles (above); on the vault, the
Virgin enthroned with Child and two Angels,
to the left St Maurus, Bishop
Euphrasius with a model of
the basilica, and Deacon
Claud with his son.

KEY
1 Remains of a 4th-century mosaic
floor from the Oratory of St Maurus
Sacristy and the are in the garden.
Votive Chapel 2 The Bishop’s Residence, a
Past the sacristy’s left wall triple-aisled building dating from
is a triple-apsed chapel the 6th century, now houses several
with a mosaic floor from paintings by Antonio da Bassano, a
the 6th century. Here lie polyptych by Antonio Vivarini and
the remains of the saints a painting by Palma il Giovane.
Maurus and Eleuterius.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp226–8 and pp238–40

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