The church was built to replace an older church that was destroyed by fire in the late 17th century.
The bronze statue of St. Euphemia rotates on a ball-bearing mechanism that changes direction based on the wind.
The church is the largest Baroque building in the region of Istria.
The sarcophagus inside is believed to have arrived on the shores of Rovinj in the year 800 during the iconoclastic persecutions.
The bell tower is topped by an angel figure that serves as the saint's representation.
St. Euphemia’s Church is a Baroque basilica located on a rocky headland in the old town of Rovinj, Croatia. The structure is recognized by its 60-meter bell tower, which is modeled after the campanile of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. The church houses the stone sarcophagus of Saint Euphemia, a martyr from Chalcedon. The current building was constructed between 1725 and 1736 on the foundations of an older, smaller church. Its copper statue of the saint atop the tower rotates with the wind, acting as a weather vane. The interior contains three naves and a collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The bell tower is accessible to visitors, providing panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. The church remains an active religious site and the most prominent architectural landmark in the town.
The view from the base of the church looking out toward the Adriatic or from the harbor looking back up at the tower.
Wear sturdy footwear as the stone steps leading to the church and the tower are worn and can be slippery.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the breeze is significantly stronger at the top of the tower than at sea level.
Visit the surrounding plateau during golden hour for the best light on the church facade.
Do not attempt the tower climb if you have mobility issues or a fear of heights, as the steps are steep and narrow.
The bell tower is typically closed during inclement weather or high winds for safety reasons.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and keep shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect.
