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The episcopal complex, which comprises the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region. Because of its exceptional value, it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The earliest basilica was dedicated to Saint Maurus of Parentium and dates back to the second half of the 4th century. The floor mosaic from its oratory, originally part of a large Roman house, is still preserved in the church garden. The present basilica, dedicated to Mary, was built in the sixth century during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. The wall mosaics were executed by Byzantian masters and the floor mosaics by local experts. The construction took about ten years. In the interior the two aisles are separated from the nave by 18 elegant Greek marble colonnades with richly sculpted Byzantine and Romanesque capitals, decorated with depictions of animals. The most striking feature of the basilica are its mosaics, mostly with gold grounds, dating from the 6th century. The vault over the apse is decorated with mosaics with Mary and Child, sitting on the Heavenly throne, under a wreath held by a hand - symbol of God the Father. This is the only surviving depiction of the Mother of God in an early-Christian western basilica. The apsis is dominated by the marble ciborium, modelled after the one in St. Mark's in Venice, it was built in 1277 on the orders of Otto, Bishop of Poreč. The lower part of the apse is decorated with stone slabs encrusted with mother-of-pearl. Music by Whitesand Title: The Giant Link: Website - Support making these tracks - Buy My Music - Spotify: Filmed with SONY RX10M3. #croazia #croatia #porec
