Porech - Porech visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Porech' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Istra.

Porech (Porec, Poreč) is a popular seaside town and tourist resort on the western bank of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. The town lies between the mouth of the Mirna River and Lim Fyord and enjoys a gentle climate, clear waters and good beaches.

Poreč is almost 2,000 years old, with a natural harbour protected from the open ocean by Sveti Nikola (St. Nicholas) island. The town was occupied during Roman times and by the mid 4th century had a strong Christian presence with a basilica dedicated to Saint Maurus of Parentium. The mosaic floor from the oratory, originally part of a large Roman house, is preserved in the garden of the Euphrasian Basilica, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the Romans left, Poreč was governed by the Ostrogoths and then the Byzantine Empire. In 1267 Porec became part of the Republic of Venice and remained in Italian rule until 1814 when it fell under Hapsburg rule. The Italian name for the town, 'Parenzo', is still used in an official capacity.

Poreč (Porech) Attractions

Poreč has several notable buildings and natural countryside that attract many visitors each year. Among the top attractions are:

• Old Town and Roman Castrum - ancient Roman fortification with preserved Roman roads.
• Euphrasian Basilica - 6th century Byzantium basilica containing original Roman mosaics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Marafor square - Roman forum square with temples to Mars and Neptune built in the 1st century.
• Poreč Tower - surviving one of three remaining towers that once surrounded the town, built in the 15th century.
• Gothic Palaces - Poreč boasts 15 Gothic palaces scattered around Cardo street, Decumanus street and Matija Gupac square (Poreč's Medieval square).
• Poreč Homeland museum - historical museum and library housed in the 18th century Sinčić Baroque Palace.
• Baredine Cave - with stunning stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.
• Istrian Council house - 13th century Gothic church re-arranged in Baroque style in the 18th century.
• Saint Lovreč - small village near to Poreč that contains historical buildings.

Porec Tourist Information Office
Zagrebacka 11
Poreč
Phone: 052-451 293

Car: Poreč is about 40km west of Pazin on the 302 road.