Rovinj is a beautiful little town on Croatia’s Istrian coast, and at its heart is the Church of Saint Euphemia, along with its Venetian bell tower. The church sits on a hilltop overlooking the town.

The walk uphill is as charming as the Church itself: narrow walkways weave past the open sea and along old Venetian homes, allowing you to peep into busy courtyards and open windows.

The church was built in 1736 on the site of an older, smaller church and is dedicated to Saint Euphemia. The three-nave church holds his tomb, a Roman Sarcophagus from the 6^th century. Legend has it that the marble coffin magically appeared on the Rovinj shoreline. Since then it has become a much sought after shrine.

Once you’ve explore the church and the artworks it holds, take on the church’s bell tower. Built between 1654 and 1680, the tower is modelled on the St. Mark’s bell tower in Venice. For a small sum of 10 Kuna you can climb the 60 meter bell tower. Its rickety wooden stairs lead to some of the most spectacular views of the town.

On top of the bell tower stands St. Euphemia himself. When the wind is about, you can see him turning round and round in its direction.