Church of St. Euphemia

About

The Church of St. Euphemia, often known locally as the Basilica of St. Euphemia, stands proudly on a hilltop in the historic heart of Rovinj. Built between 1725 and 1736 in a magnificent Baroque style, the three‑nave church is built over earlier Christian foundations and is adorned with a host of treasures. Visitors are treated to Gothic statues from the 15th century, 16th‑ and 17th‑century paintings—including a rendition of the Last Supper and Christ in the Gethsemane—and a Roman sarcophagus of the sixth century that houses the relics of Saint Euphemia. Its 60‑metre bell tower, designed in homage to Venice’s St Mark’s Basilica, towers above the town and is crowned with a statue of the saint, a striking wind vane that sweeps the air. Beyond its artistic wealth, the church is steeped in legend. According to local lore, a miracle involving a white‑glowing object being pulled from the sea by oxen under a devout boy’s plan led to the sarcophagus’s arrival in Rovinj — a story that has been passed down through generations and inspires the hill’s name, the "Hill of St. Euphemia". The well‑preserved interior, lit by warm stone arches, offers a contemplative pilgrimage for visitors and a window into the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Highlights

• Bell Tower
• Relic Sarcophagus
• Iconic Paintings
• Baroque Architecture

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes