Church of St. Euphemia and the Bell Tower, Rovinj (must see)

The Church of St. Euphemia, often referred to as the Basilica of St. Euphemia is a magnificent Baroque church nestled in the heart of Rovinj's historic district. Its construction, dating from 1725 to 1736, stands atop the remnants of earlier, early Christian structures. Originally dedicated to Saint George and later to Saints George and Euphemia, the present church is solely devoted to Saint Euphemia. Its splendid façade, as we see it today, was added in 1883.

Inside, the church safeguards the relics of Saint Euphemia in a Roman sarcophagus dating back to the sixth century, later adapted in the 15th century. The church houses an array of treasures and artistic works, including Gothic statues from the 15th century and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane.

One of the most striking features of the church is its bell tower, which bears a resemblance to the iconic tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. This impressive structure was built between 1654 and 1680, based on the designs by Antonio Manopola. Crowning this 60-meter-high tower is a statue of Saint Euphemia, serving as a weathervane. The legend associated with the church describes how the sarcophagus bearing her remains was received. It recounts the tale of two fishermen caught in a fierce storm who, through their earnest prayers, miraculously find themselves near Rovinj's shore, witnessing a radiant white light over an object that sinks into the sea. With the town's inhabitants unable to move the heavy object, a pious widow devises a plan to retrieve the gift using oxen. Miraculously, the oxen successfully haul the sarcophagus from the water and up the hill.

The legend is further enriched by an incident where a skeptic is struck unconscious in the presence of the sarcophagus, later revealing that he had received a vision from Saint Euphemia herself, confirming that the sarcophagus contained her sacred remains. According to local folklore, this hill has been known as the "Hill of St. Euphemia" ever since these events, even as the relics faced tumultuous circumstances, including theft by the Genoese and eventual return to the town in the 14th century. The Church of St. Euphemia, with its rich history and legendary tales, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and devotion in Rovinj.