Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč

Tourist Destination Poreč

Urban identity preservation is critical for sustaining Poreč's appeal as a tourist destination, according to research analyzing its historic core and coastal development. The study identifies key elements of urban identity—including the Euphrasian Basilica, orthogonal block grid, and natural integration at city edges—as foundational to its spatial character. However, it highlights significant threats: poorly integrated hotel complexes along the coast, modernist-era housing that disrupts the block matrix, and fragmented tourist infrastructure. These interventions degrade the city's coherence and erode its natural appeal, undermining its attractiveness as a UNESCO-listed site. The research emphasizes the need for protective spatial planning to balance tourism development with public interest, ensuring long-term preservation of Poreč's unique urban fabric.