This little Croatian adventure through Istria continued towards the seaside. As I set foot in Porec’s old town, it felt like stepping into a time capsule. This used to be a place where I waitered during the summer time as a student. Some lovely memories of sunbathing, wind on the terrace, swimming in the moonlight with other colleagues and lovely conversations with guests from all over the world. Little Ivana became a globetrotter. 🙂

Porec is a Roman city. Symmetrical layouts: the Decumanus Maximus, and Cardo Maximus led me to the Forum, now known as Marafor Square, where I marveled at the remnants of two ancient temples.

The main landmark here is the Euphrasian Basilica – from the 4th century. This makes is one of the oldest examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region.

The most striking feature of the basilica is its mosaics, mostly with gold grounds, dating from the 6th century. This early Christian art and architecture (or Paleochristian art) was produced by Christians from the earliest period of Christianity.

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, different rulers and powers governed: Ostrogoths, Byzantine Empire, Franks, Republic of Venice… During the Venitian period, several palaces, squares and religious buildings in Venetian style were built.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic, Porec came under the sovereignty of the Habsburg monarchy. This is also the time when tourism starts in Istria, as Empress Sisi often travelled and marked the place for future splendid.

Until we meet again, Porec – thank you for the memories and the sense of wonder that will stay with me forever. And to all my fellow travellers, waiters, students: may your journeys be filled with joy and discovery, just like mine in Porec.