Rising above the rooftops of Rovinj’s historic Old Town, the bell tower of Church of St. Euphemia has watched over the town for centuries. Generations have grown up recognizing its silhouette before learning the names of the narrow streets below.
At the top stands a copper statue of Saint Euphemia, crafted in the eighteenth century by Venetian master Zuan Battista Bonazza. The statue rotates with the wind, quietly overlooking the town and the Adriatic Sea.
For locals and fishermen, its direction once served as a natural weather signal, pointing north when the warm jugo wind approached from the south, and pointing south when the sharp bora wind blew from the north.
Located in the heart of Rovinj’s Old Town, the church remains a defining landmark of the historic center.
The legend of Saint Euphemia
Saint Euphemia was a young Christian martyr from Chalcedon during the reign of Diocletian. According to local legend, her sarcophagus arrived mysteriously off the coast of Rovinj. The townspeople struggled to move it until a young boy appeared with two calves and carried it up the hill where the church now stands.
Over time, the people of Rovinj built a church in her honor, and she became the spiritual guardian of the town. Her remains are said to rest in an ancient Roman sarcophagus behind the right-hand altar, making the church both a place of worship and a historical landmark.
Her presence continues to be celebrated each September with Euphemia Festival, combining masses, music, food, and community events.
The annual St. Euphemia Swimming Marathon in Valdaliso Bay draws swimmers and spectators from across the Adriatic, linking the town’s history with its present-day spirit.
The church and its bell tower
The Church of St. Euphemia dominates the skyline of Rovinj and is one of the town’s most photographed landmarks. Built in Baroque style with Venetian influence, it features a spacious nave, ornate altars, and frescoes illuminated by tall windows.
The bell tower rises nearly 60 meters above the Old Town and can be seen from the harbor and surrounding coastline. From the viewing platform, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Rovinj’s red rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and the Istrian coastline. On exceptionally clear days, even the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice is visible. At the summit, the rotating statue of Saint Euphemia continues to watch over the town, symbolizing Rovinj’s faith, history, and maritime tradition.
Exploring St. Euphemia: when to visit and what to see
Climbing to St. Euphemia is a journey through Rovinj’s history. The winding cobbled streets of the Old Town are quiet in the early morning, allowing visitors to take in centuries-old stone buildings before the town awakens. By late afternoon, the hill is bathed in golden light, perfect for photos of rooftops and the Adriatic.
Guided tours provide insights into the church’s art, legends, and Rovinj’s history. Many start directly from local apartments, allowing a relaxed exploration of the Old Town and hilltop church, with hidden details that casual sightseers often miss. Visiting St. Euphemia combines history, light, and views into an unforgettable experience.
Many visitors exploring Rovinj choose apartments in the Old Town within walking distance of the church. Staying nearby allows easy access to the historic streets, waterfront restaurants, and the best viewpoints of the Adriatic.