Rovinj historical places: St. Euphemia and the Venetian town
Rovinj historical places guide: the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia on the hill, the 60 m bell tower, the old town linked to the mainland in 1763 and the 1680 Balbi Arch.
Rovinj is one of the most enchanting coastal towns of the Istrian peninsula. This town on the western Adriatic coast carries the traces of the centuries together with its Baroque church on the hill, its huge bell tower, its narrow Venetian lanes and its historic gates. This guide visits Rovinj's key historical sites in order.
Why visit the Church of St. Euphemia?
The Church of St. Euphemia (Sv. Eufemija), rising on the hill of the old town, is Rovinj's landmark. It was built between 1725 and 1736 as a three-nave Baroque church over the remains of older early-Christian structures. Its position at the highest point of the town makes it visible from every side and forms the natural centre of the walk.
The church holds the relics of St. Euphemia, after whom it is named; the remains lie in a Roman sarcophagus from the 6th century, adapted in the 15th century. The three-nave layout and the decoration of the interior reflect the Baroque sensibility of the period. The church's façade was completed in 1883. The narrow lanes up to the church show the whole fabric of the old town step by step; the view from the top over the Adriatic is striking. St. Euphemia is regarded as the patron saint of Rovinj.
The bell tower and the Venetian influence
The bell tower adjoining the church, at about 60 metres high, forms the town's best-known silhouette. Built between 1654 and 1680 to designs by Antonio Manopola, the tower resembles the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and symbolises the town's bond with the sea.
At the top of the tower stands a statue of St. Euphemia serving as a weathervane; the statue turns according to the direction of the wind. This detail makes the tower a symbol both religious and maritime. The tower can be seen from everywhere in Rovinj and from the surrounding islands. With its form inspired by Venetian architecture, it recalls that the town was part of the Venetian cultural sphere for centuries. For sailors, the tower was both a landmark and a symbol of homecoming.
From island to peninsula: the origin of the old town
Rovinj's old town was originally built on an island close to the coast. The narrow channel between the town and the mainland was filled in only in 1763, connecting the old town to the peninsula. This past explains the town's dense, steep fabric of narrow lanes; the houses rise layer by layer towards the sea.
The island fabric gave Rovinj one of the most photogenic town silhouettes of the Mediterranean. The lane ends opening to the sea frame fishing boats and colourful façades. This compact structure of the town makes it possible to explore all the historical sites on foot. Walking the lanes of the old town makes this unique layout, from island to peninsula, tangible. The small islands of the nearby archipelago complete this sea culture with boat trips.
The Balbi Arch and the Venetian heritage
The Balbi Arch at the entrance of the old town is a town gate dating from 1680 and, together with the late-Renaissance clock tower beside it, forms a monumental entrance to the town. Rovinj was, from 1283 to 1797, one of the most important towns of Istria under the rule of the Republic of Venice; this heritage can be seen in every corner.
The Venetian period gave Rovinj stone squares, arched passages and a sea culture. The old town, entered through the Balbi Arch, preserves the fabric of this period with its narrow lanes and small squares. The stonework of the façades and the Venetian symbols recall this bond of the town spanning more than five hundred years. These buildings make Rovinj explorable like an open-air Venetian museum.
How should you explore Rovinj?
The natural flow starts at the Balbi Arch, enters the old town and climbs through the narrow lanes to the Church of St. Euphemia on the hill. The compact centre makes it possible to see all the sites on foot; because the lanes are steep and stony, though, comfortable shoes help.
The early morning or later afternoon suits making the most of the cool and photographing in better light. The seaside promenade, the cafés and the boats in the harbour are good for a break. Watching the sunset from the bell tower or around the church is the finest close to the walk. For more, see our city page on Rovinj.
FAQ
When was the Church of St. Euphemia built?
The Church of St. Euphemia was built between 1725 and 1736 as a three-nave Baroque church over the remains of older early-Christian structures; its façade was completed in 1883. This church on the hill of the old town holds the relics of St. Euphemia, kept in a Roman sarcophagus from the 6th century, and is Rovinj's landmark.
What does Rovinj's bell tower resemble?
The roughly 60-metre bell tower was built between 1654 and 1680 to designs by Antonio Manopola and resembles the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. At its top stands a statue of St. Euphemia serving as a weathervane, turning with the wind; the tower can be seen from everywhere in the town.
Why is Rovinj's old town like an island?
Because Rovinj's old town was originally built on an island close to the coast. The narrow channel between the town and the mainland was filled in only in 1763, connecting the old town to the peninsula. This explains the dense, steep fabric of narrow lanes and the photogenic silhouette rising layer by layer towards the sea.