The Euphrasian Basilica is a basilica in Poreč, on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, which, together with a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, forms the most complete surviving complex from early Christianity, and also an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture. 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.
This oratorium was already expanded in the same century into a church composed of a nave and one aisle. The fish on the floor mosaic dates from this period. The present basilica, dedicated to Virgin Mary, was built in the sixth century during the period of Bishop Euphrasius. It was built from 553 on the site of the older basilica that had become dilapidated. For the construction, parts of the former church were used and the marble blocks were imported from the coast of the Sea of Marmara.
Following the earthquake of 1440 the southern wall of the central nave of the basilica was restored, so that in place of the windows which were destroyed, other were built in the Gothic style. In the mid-19th century the basilica was inappropriately enlarged by adding two side chapels which were later removed in the course of restoration works. Over time, accidents, fires and earthquakes have altered a few details, but however, the Euphrasian Basilica largely retained its original shape
About the stamp
The stamp, designed by Dubravka Zglavnik, is one of the two issued on May 9, 2016, by Croatian Post for Europa Stamps 2016, with the theme Think Green:
• The motif from Croatia (4,6 HRK) - It's on the postcard 2644
• The common motif (7,6 HRK)
References
Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč - UNESCO official website
Euphrasian Basilica - Wikipedia
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč - expoaus.org
Sender: Radu Toussaint
Sent from Poreč (Istria / Croatia), on 06.06.2016
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