When we arrived in Porec, we were tired of Croatia. We were worn down by the small, hillside village of Labin with four restaurants. We had pizza coming out our ears. (Yes, it is excellent wood fired pizza, but even good pizza grows bland on repeat.) We were tired of the ‘cloak of invisibility’ service if not a local. Tired of crunchy clothing as everything air dries instead of an automatic clothes dryer. Absolutely we are spoiled Americans, we get it and still tired…then onto Porec.
The ‘old town’ of Porec is a bustling, seaside city dating back over 2000 years. Lots of shops, cafes and old buildings to explore. There are diverse options aplenty. Holy hell, they even have Asian food. Excellent Asian cuisine in fact. (Umi Asian Street Food – restaurant! YUM!) Porec is easy to navigate as they still use the Roman street grid laid out almost two-thousand years ago.
We found the Euphrasian Basilica on the first day but decided to go back early the next morning due the heat of the Adriatic coast. Words can not describe the astounding beauty and history of this place.
In 1997, the basilica was established as World Heritage site due, “The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself combines classical and Byzantine elements in an exceptional manner.”
We were arrived at the Museum’s opening, 9am before the crowds. The majesty of the site sparkled. The light danced upon the mosaic high walls of the nave.
The Belfry tower soared into the blue skies.
The floor mosaics echoed with stories from long days past. Who built them? The symbol of the Fish, an early Christian hidden marker, lay bare before us. How did these survive? Was someone punished for their making?
Striking Roman walls abut Byzantine mosaics against forgotten monastery buildings. How is this still here? Why hasn’t the sea washed this away?
We spent a few hours wandering through the past. Humbled and overwhelmed by the stunning work of so many hands before. Our minds are filled with more questions than answers.
Yet that is how it should be with the Divine. Always part mystery with the mastery.
We are grateful to have visited this astonishing site and better for it. Thank you.
Project Empty Nest 