But in Your Dreams Whatever They Be.... Poreč


Here's the thing: Poreč is just up the road on the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia and a bus trip is but 45 minutes and 49 Kuna. So, I go.



I certainly have no complaints with Rovinj, for it is THE most picture postcard perfect town that I have been in during my time in Croatia. But, it IS a bit frantic and I wondered what was up the coast.

            

Stroll through the town of Poreć for a few moments with me. I am well aware that the constant barrage of pictures of sea sides and church towers and basilicas can all run together.
If I were you, I'd be saying, "OK another church altar with shadows in the vestry and stained glass filtering the sunlight. I get it. Move on Bob."


So, I will take you through just one place today:
The Saint Eufrasius' Basilica of Poreč.

And what is so unique about it is that it was built in the 6th Century during the Byzantine Period but even more unique is that it was occupied by the brothers and church until the 20th Century and today is....."the best preserved early Christian complex in the world."

That is their quote but I would readily agree that it is the best that I have seen. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I just stumbled upon it, though obviously Christians have been coming to it since the 6th Century and even 200 years before that!



Besides that, the complex was built upon the site of a 4th century Christian Church. It seems that Bishop Eufrasious was not please with the condition of the 4th century complex which was falling down around them and so he pushed for rebuilding in the 6th century.



Polished floors for the Bishop when he received visitors. Plenty of old religious relics and statues and symbols from the 4th, 5th and 15th centuries and everywhere in between.

        

The condition of the Basilica complex was stunning. Parts of it look like the Bishop just moved out a couple weeks ago, while other parts like the mosaic of the fish at the top of today's blog...are from the 6th century and probably before that.


It was a self directed tour through the church and tower and sanctuary and ancient artifacts. I took it all in and realize that soon it will all run together with the countless other ancient Christian complexes that I have visited over the years.

          

But no matter, an accumulation of such experiences is a privileged thing and I am greater up for each one.

             

The Bishop's finery for worship.

           

Architectural details that show the dedication of the artists who worked in these places.


         

Simple Windows become works of art.



And the sacred remains of Saint Maurus and Eleuterious rest in the Sarcophagus in the deepest place of the Basilica.


I am still trying to figure out how and why this Christianity thing has hung on for so long. I marvel at the towering belfry's and aim to climb every single one of them still in existence in Christendom though I fear the sheer numbers of them are greater than the years I have left.



Peace,  Bob















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