Church of St. Euphemia

The Church of St. Euphemia stands on the highest point of the Rovinj peninsula, and its tall bell tower is the emblem of the town. It is dedicated to Saint Euphemia, the patron saint of Rovinj, a young Christian woman who is said to have been martyred in the early 4th century in the city of Chalcedon, near present-day Istanbul. According to the local tradition, her marble sarcophagus drifted across the sea and came ashore at Rovinj around the year 800, where the townspeople dragged it up the hill with the help of a boy and a pair of calves, a story that is told every year and remembered in the town's festivals. The sarcophagus, which is said to hold her relics, is kept in the church and is the centre of local devotion.

The present building is largely a product of the 18th century. It was constructed between about 1725 and 1736, replacing earlier medieval churches on the same site, and it is a fine example of Venetian-influenced Baroque architecture, with a bright, spacious interior, a high nave and richly decorated altars. The bell tower, which was added earlier, in the late 17th century, is about sixty metres tall and was modelled on the campanile of St. Mark's in Venice, a reminder of the long connection between the town and the Venetian Republic. At the top stands a copper statue of the saint, which turns in the wind and has served as a landmark for sailors approaching the harbour for centuries. Visitors who are willing to climb the narrow stairs of the tower are rewarded with a panoramic view over the rooftops, the sea and the islands.

Inside, the church holds ornate altars, paintings and sculptures that reflect the artistic traditions of the region. The main altar is dedicated to Saint Euphemia, and the side altars honour other saints. The annual feast day, on 16 September, is the biggest religious event of the year in Rovinj, and it draws large crowds. A procession carries the relics through the streets, accompanied by music and prayers, and the town is filled with stalls, fireworks and celebrations. At other times, the church is quiet, and it welcomes visitors who respect its character as a place of worship. Opening hours depend on services, so it is wise to check locally, and visitors should dress modestly and keep their voices low.

The church is reached on foot, along one of the narrow lanes that climb from the harbour, and the walk up gives a taste of the old town's atmosphere. Entrance to the church is free, though there may be a small charge for the tower. The area around the church has a terrace with views over the sea, a popular spot at sunset. Other places to visit nearby include Grisia Street, Balbi's Arch and the Batana Eco-Museum.

The church suits history and art lovers, photographers and pilgrims. Visit in the morning, when the light on the façade is bright and the crowds are smaller.