Continuing Archaeological Research in the Poreč Historical Centre

Archaeological investigations are currently underway in the area of ancient temples in Poreč, located at the highest point of the peninsula, between Villa Polesini and Marafor Square. The aim is to revise the previous research results conducted at the beginning of the last century, all with the purpose of preparing a report on the sacred zone of ancient Parentium. The research began early last week and is being conducted by the Poreč Heritage Museum. The works were visited today by Mayor Loris Peršurić and museum director Elena Uljančić, along with research leaders, curators Gaetano Benčić and Klaudija Bartolić Sirotić. Although the research is in its early stages, previously unexplored structures have been found, which through preliminary analysis can be attributed to the entirety of the ancient Capitoline.

The research will be conducted throughout January, after which architectural analysis of the discovered structures and their dating will be undertaken. It is worth recalling that last year, archaeological research was organized in the adjacent Marafor Square, to create a conservation report for the renovation, as a prerequisite for issuing a building permit for the renovation of Marafor Square by the Law on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage. The archaeological research in Marafor Square brought valuable discoveries to light, including the original Roman paving of the forum and the previously unknown connection between the Decumanus and the ancient square. A medieval cistern was also discovered, along with a prehistoric layer beneath the Roman forum. After the completion of the archaeological research, Marafor was protected and restored to its original state, to fully refurbish the square and its surrounding streets. The pace of the work will depend on the obtained approvals and permits.

In addition to the Marafor research, which is a prerequisite for starting the renovation of this square, the City is undertaking the largest investment in the cultural heritage of the city in the last 30 years. Last year, the façade of the Heritage Museum was completed, and after the summer, renovation work began on the Romanesque House, also undertaken by the Poreč Heritage Museum. Restoration of the baptistery in the Euphrasian Basilica is underway, as well as work on the renovation of the Joakim Rakovac House in Rakovci.

“Besides the restoration of monuments and buildings that constitute the valuable heritage of our city, we are also conducting research, such as in Marafor and now in the area of ancient temples, which provide us with discoveries and ideas for valorizing the rich cultural heritage of our city,” says Mayor Peršurić.