Church
Church of St Euphemia
Rovinj · Istria
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Church
- COUNTRY
- Croatia
- REGION
- Rovinj · Istria
- DURATION
- 1–2 days
ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION
The Church of St Euphemia stands at the highest point of the old town, its 60-metre baroque campanile the tallest structure in Rovinj and the landmark visible from every approach by sea. The church was built in the 18th century on the site of earlier churches, and its campanile was modelled on the campanile of St Mark’s in Venice — a deliberate echo of the Venetian rule that shaped the town. The campanile can be ascended, and the viewing platform at the top gives the classic panorama over the pastel rooftops and the sea.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
The story behind it
A church has stood on this hilltop since the early Christian period, but the present baroque building dates from 1736, built after the earlier church was damaged. The relics of St Euphemia, the town’s patron saint, are kept inside the church in a marble sarcophagus; according to tradition they arrived by sea from Constantinople in the 8th century, and the saint’s feast on 16 September is Rovinj’s biggest day. The campanile’s weather vane — a statue of St Euphemia that turns with the wind — is a local symbol.
WHAT TO SEE
What to see here
The 60-metre campanile and its viewing platform, the best panorama over the old town and the sea.
The relics of St Euphemia in the marble sarcophagus inside the church.
The turning statue of the saint on the campanile, which shows the wind direction from below.
The baroque interior and the feast-day decorations on 16 September.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters
St Euphemia’s is the one landmark that defines Rovinj’s skyline and the one viewpoint that captures the town whole. For a visitor the ascent is the single best thing to do — the panorama is the image of Rovinj you take away.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you go
THROUGH THE LENS
From the road
MAP & LOCATION
Church of St Euphemia
Church of St Euphemia, Rovinj, Istria, Croatia
45.0828, 13.6375
MORE ATTRACTIONS
More to see in Rovinj
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Old Town and harbour restaurants for Istrian seafood, pasta and seasonal dishes
Local taverns and wine bars for Istrian olive oil, truffles, Malvasia and Teran
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Old Town guesthouses for historic atmosphere and pedestrian access
Waterfront and Golden Cape hotels for easier beach and park access
ITINERARIES
Day-by-day routes
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
INTERESTS
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PART OF
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