The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a priceless cultural monument and one of the most renowned attractions in Croatia, has recently been a source of concern for the Conservation Department in Pula.
Certain elements in the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč have long been considered degrading to the edifice. The original flooring was covered with an inappropriate red carpet, and a Renaissance altar was covered with neo-Baroque wooden panels. An antependium, a decorative curtain in front of the altar, was also hidden from sight.
The conservators recently reported the Poreč and Pula Diocese to the Ministry of Culture, as all their previous pleas for the removal of problematic elements have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. After a heated reaction from both the public and the experts , the diocese urgently decided to remove the degrading elements, reports Glas Istre.
Conservators met with representatives of the diocese, and bishop Dražen Kutleša personally ordered for the wooden elements to be promptly removed from the altar.
Reporters of Glas Istre confirmed most of the problematic elements are now gone. The neo-Baroque wooden panels have been removed, so the Renaissance altar is now back on display, along with the priceless bishop's throne commissioned by bishop Euphrasius in the 6th century. The antependium is also once again visible.
The only remaining element to be removed is the red carpet, as it calls for a slightly more challenging procedure, according to conservator Ivan Matejčić. "The carpet has been in its place for a year, and the conservators have already reacted and demanded for it to be removed. However, it's glued to the floor, so we have to be careful in order not to damage the marble underneath. The carpet is completely unacceptable aestethically, it represents a serious degradation of the space, and it's also a sign of disrespect for historical heritage", said Matejčić.
He also expressed satisfaction regarding the reaction of both the experts and the citizens, stating the case has shown the potential and the influence of social networks and the media in general.
Asked about the impending charges filed against the diocese, head of the Conservation Deparment in Pula Lorella Limoncin Toth said the department is not out to punish anyone. "We just want to find a solution to the problem. We're not aiming to press charges further, we'll withdraw them once we've assessed the current condition of the church", she stated.
