Euphrasian Basilica
| Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč | |
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Native name Croatian: Eufrazijeva bazilika |
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Euphrasian Basilica
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| Location |
Istria County,  Croatia
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| Coordinates | 45°13′43″N 13°35′37″E / 45.22861°N 13.59361°ECoordinates: 45°13′43″N 13°35′37″E / 45.22861°N 13.59361°E |
| Area | 1.10 ha |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii, iv |
| Designated | 1997 |
| Reference no. | 809 |
| Official name: Eufrazijeva bazilika | |
 Location of Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč in Croatia
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The Euphrasian Basilica (Croatian: Eufrazijeva bazilika, Italian: Basilica Eufrasiana) or the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary is a basilica in Poreč, Croatia. The episcopal complex, including, apart the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region.
The Euphrasian basilica has for the most part retained its original shape, but accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details. Since it is the third church to be built on the same site, it conceals previous buildings, for example the great floor mosaic of the previous basilica from the 5th century. Because of its exceptional value, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The Basilica is also the Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Poreč-Pula.
The earliest basilica was dedicated to Saint Maurus of Parentium and dates back to the second half of the 4th century. The floor mosaic from its oratory, originally part of a large Roman house, is still preserved in the church garden. This oratorium was already expanded in the same century into a church composed of a nave and one aisle (basilicae geminae). The fish on the floor mosaic dates from this period. Coins with the portrayal of emperor Valens (365–378), found in the same spot, confirm these dates.
The present basilica, dedicated to Mary, was built in the sixth century during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. It was built from 553 on the site of the older basilica that had become dilapidated. For the construction, parts of the former church were used and the marble blocks were imported from the coast of the Sea of Marmara. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts. The construction took about ten years. Euphrasius, holding the church in his arms, is represented on one of the mosaics on the apse, next to St. Maurus.
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