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Istrian Assembly Hall: A Blend of History and Art

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Explore Poreč's Istrian Assembly Hall: a historic venue showcasing stunning Baroque art and a rich cultural heritage.

The Istrian Assembly Hall in Poreč is a captivating historical monument that has evolved from a 13th-century Gothic Franciscan church to a Baroque-style assembly hall. Today, it serves as a venue for cultural events and ceremonial sessions, showcasing stunning stuccowork and frescoes.

A brief summary to Istrian Assembly Hall

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Istrian Assembly Hall.

  • Check the event schedule in advance to see if there are any concerts, exhibitions, or sessions happening during your visit.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate stuccowork and frescoes on the ceiling, created by Giuseppe Monteventia and Angelo Venturini.
  • Look for the transparent staircase to view fragments of the 5th-century St. Thomas church mosaics on the ground floor.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Istrian Assembly Hall is located in the old part of Poreč, specifically at Obala Matka Laginje 2, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the main square, Trg Slobode, walk along the waterfront promenade, Obala Matka Laginje. The Hall will be on your left, a short distance from the square. There are no costs involved in reaching the Assembly Hall on foot.

  • Public Transport

    Poreč has a local city bus service that connects various parts of the town. Check the Arriva Croatia website or the local bus station for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Poreč bus station, which is about 500 meters from the city center, you can take a local bus towards the city center. Get off at a stop near the waterfront and walk a short distance to the Istrian Assembly Hall. A single bus fare is approximately 15 HRK. Alternatively, consider the electric minibus, with a daily ticket costing 10 HRK.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Poreč. You can find them at designated taxi stands or book one through a local taxi service. A short taxi ride from the bus station or another location in the town center to the Istrian Assembly Hall should cost approximately 40 HRK. Taxi fares generally start at 30 HRK, with an additional 10 HRK per kilometer.

Discover more about Istrian Assembly Hall

The Istrian Assembly Hall, located in the heart of Poreč, boasts a rich and varied history. Originally built in the early 14th century as a Gothic Franciscan church and monastery on the foundations of a 5th-century church, it has undergone numerous transformations. The church was deconsecrated in 1806 during Napoleon's reign. Later, Marquis Francesco Polesini purchased the building and divided it into two floors; the first floor became the town hall in 1861, while the ground floor was converted into a wine cellar.The hall's interior was redesigned in the Baroque style in the mid-18th century. The ceiling features exquisite Rococo stuccowork by Giuseppe Monteventia from Bologna, framing three ceiling medallions with illusionistic frescoes by Venetian painter Angelo Venturini. The largest fresco depicts the Immaculate Conception, flanked by the Vision of St. Anthony of Padua and the Stigmatization of St. Francis.Today, the Istrian Assembly Hall hosts various events, including seminars, art exhibitions like the Poreč Annale, and ceremonial sessions of the County Assembly. The ground floor, once a wine cellar, is also used as an event venue. Recent discoveries include early Christian floor mosaics in the courtyard, adding another layer to this historical site. The Istrian Assembly Hall is a testament to Poreč's layered history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

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