Porec

Siófok has achieved significant results in terms of cooperation with one of Croatia's most famous resort destinations. With regular representation at tourism fairs, we aim to attract Croatian tourists to Lake Balaton. Both cities are open to collaboration between schools, and the representatives of the cities will soon begin working on developing this partnership.

Poreč is located in western Croatia, on the Istrian Peninsula, along the Adriatic coast. It serves as a major center for tourism in the country, boasting numerous hotels and entertainment venues. The city's origins date back to Roman times, and in the 1st century, during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, it gained city status and was named Colonia Iulia Parentium. From 1267, it became a part of the Republic of Venice, which marked a period of economic and cultural development. After the fall of the Republic of Venice, Poreč came under Frankish rule and later became part of the Habsburg Empire. In the early 20th century, it was under Italian rule, along with the rest of Istria, until it came under German occupation until 1945. During World War II, the city was heavily bombed in several Allied attacks, resulting in severe damage to the medieval city center. The 1947 Paris Peace Conference awarded the city to Yugoslavia, and since 1991, it has been part of independent Croatia. Siófok and Poreč became sister cities in 1998. The complex of buildings known as the Euphrasian Basilica has evolved over many centuries with several reconstructions. The first basilica was built in the 4th century after the recognition of Christianity as a state religion. In the early 6th century, Bishop Euphrasius of Poreč commissioned the reconstruction and expansion of the cathedral in Byzantine style, on the foundations of the old basilica. The main treasures of the basilica are the 6th-century mosaics covering the walls of the sanctuary, which are renowned masterpieces of Byzantine art. Among the magnificent gold-background mosaics, the one on the semi-dome of the apse stands out, depicting the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus and angels. Since 1997, the Euphrasian Basilica has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Marafor Square and the adjacent buildings and shrines were built in the 1st century during Roman times. The Temple of Neptune, or at least its remnants, has survived to this day. Another must-see attraction near Poreč is the Lim Canal, also known as the Lim Fjord, located south of the city. Its name derives from the Latin word "limes" (border), referring to its historical connection to the Roman Empire's provinces of Dalmatia and Italy. The Lim Fjord earned its name due to its resemblance to the fjords of Northern Europe. With its many freshwater springs flowing into the canal and the presence of salty seawater, it is an excellent environment for fish and oyster farming. Along the coast, there are restaurants where visitors can taste these locally cultivated delicacies.

Famous People:

• Giuseppe Picciola, Italian poet
• Giuseppe Pagano, architect