
St Euphemia Bell Tower
Ascend the historic bell tower of St. Euphemia for unparalleled 360° views of Rovinj's charming old town and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

St Euphemia Bell Tower
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the historic bell tower of St. Euphemia for unparalleled 360° views of Rovinj's charming old town and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
"The climb is definitely worth it; the view from the top is fantastic!"

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly stairs. Good grip is a must!
⬆️ Worth the Climb
Despite the challenging stairs, the views are spectacular and widely considered worth the effort.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Top of the Bell Tower
Ascend to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Rovinj's red-tiled roofs and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Baroque Architecture
Church of St. Euphemia
Admire the stunning baroque beauty of the church, dating back to 1736, a prominent landmark in Rovinj.

Venetian Influence
Bell Tower Exterior
Notice the bell tower's resemblance to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, a nod to historical ties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb with Caution
Ticket & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly stairs. Good grip is a must!
⬆️ Worth the Climb
Despite the challenging stairs, the views are spectacular and widely considered worth the effort.
🌬️ Brace for Wind
Expect wind at the top, especially on breezy days. A hair tie or brush might be useful!
💰 Affordable Entry
The small entrance fee of around €4 offers incredible value for the experience and views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly stairs. Good grip is a must!
⬆️ Worth the Climb
Despite the challenging stairs, the views are spectacular and widely considered worth the effort.
🌬️ Brace for Wind
Expect wind at the top, especially on breezy days. A hair tie or brush might be useful!
💰 Affordable Entry
The small entrance fee of around €4 offers incredible value for the experience and views.
⚠️ Safety Awareness
Be mindful of the stairs' condition; proceed with caution, especially when descending.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St. Euphemia Bell Tower for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Rovinj and the Adriatic Sea, deeming the climb well worth the modest entrance fee. However, many caution about the challenging nature of the stairs, describing them as uneven, narrow, and potentially unsafe, advising visitors to wear sturdy footwear and be mindful of the conditions.
"Definitely worth the climb. The stairs seem solid enough, even if they don't look it."
Ian Abraham
"Do not go up this tower. It does not follow any safety procedures at all. The wooden staircase are used, rotten and wobbly. I spoke to the person in charge of selling tickets, he admitted (with an angry attitude if you can believe that) that it was dangerous and does not care if someone dies. I spoke to the police and they are aware of the issue with the staircase but they can't do anything within the church jurisdiction. Absolutely insane. This should be closed down instantly."
Kevin Faulhaber
"CAUTION: The stairs are dangerous! They're slippery, very narrow, not suitable for people with a fear of heights, and children may have trouble climbing them. Sturdy shoes with good soles are a must.
BUT...the climb is definitely worth it. There aren't that many steps (since they're short), and the view from the top is fantastic. The €4 per person is worth it; it's worth the effort.
I think the comments saying the climb is life-threatening are exaggerated. With caution and care, the climb is definitely worth it. And the wind, please. There's wind everywhere in Croatia! Just carry a hairbrush in your bag, and that's it ;-)"
Luciana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Euphemia Bell Tower is located within the Church of St. Euphemia, which dominates the skyline of Rovinj's old town. You can reach it by walking through the charming, narrow streets of the historic center. Parking is available outside the old town, and it's a pleasant walk uphill to the church.
Parking is generally not available directly at the bell tower due to its location in the pedestrianized old town. Several paid parking lots are available on the outskirts of Rovinj's old town, from which you can walk to the tower.
Taxis can get you close to the old town entrance, but you will still need to walk uphill through the narrow streets to reach the bell tower. The walk is part of the experience of exploring Rovinj's charming atmosphere.
The St. Euphemia Bell Tower is the most prominent structure in Rovinj and is visible from most parts of the town and the sea, making it easy to find. Simply head towards the highest point of the old town.
The best approach is on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Rovinj's medieval streets. The climb up to the church and tower is an integral part of the visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee to climb the bell tower is typically around €4 per person. This is widely considered a very reasonable price for the experience and the stunning views offered.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the bell tower entrance. It's advisable to check for any specific booking requirements during peak tourist seasons, though advance booking is generally not necessary.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. It's best to check locally or with tourist information upon arrival in Rovinj for the most up-to-date hours.
The climb involves narrow, uneven, and steep wooden stairs. It is not recommended for individuals with a severe fear of heights, mobility issues, or very young children who may struggle with the ascent and descent.
Yes, you can visit and admire the Church of St. Euphemia itself without climbing the bell tower. Entry to the church is usually free, but the tower climb requires a separate ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves ascending a series of narrow, uneven, and sometimes wobbly wooden stairs. While not excessively long, the steps can be challenging for some, especially the descent. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
Visitor reviews indicate that the stairs are old and uneven, with some describing them as potentially dangerous. While many find the climb manageable with caution and good footwear, it's important to be aware of the conditions.
The top of the bell tower offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Rovinj's old town, the surrounding islands, and the vast Adriatic Sea. It's a truly breathtaking vista.
The climb itself is relatively quick, likely taking around 5-10 minutes depending on your pace and how often you pause. Allow extra time for enjoying the views at the top and the descent.
No, there is no elevator in the St. Euphemia Bell Tower. The ascent is entirely via the wooden staircase.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos are taken from the top, capturing the panoramic views of Rovinj and the Adriatic. The exterior of the church and tower also make for stunning shots, especially from the waterfront or higher vantage points in the old town.
It can be a bit challenging due to the narrow viewing platforms and potential wind. However, with careful positioning, you can capture incredible wide-angle shots of the cityscape and coastline.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Early morning can also be great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Drone usage may be restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone near the St. Euphemia Bell Tower or Rovinj's old town.
For the panoramic views, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and sea. Shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility in post-processing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternative for families: Enjoying the views of the tower from the ground level, exploring the charming streets of Rovinj's old town, and visiting the nearby beaches can be equally rewarding and more relaxed experiences for families with young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip for budget travelers: Combine your visit to the bell tower with exploring Rovinj's old town on foot, which is free. Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs within the tourist areas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views. Be mindful of the narrow viewing platforms and potential wind when setting up your shots. Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture softer light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climb: A Traveler's Perspective
Key Takeaways for the Climb:
* Footwear is paramount: Non-slip, sturdy shoes with good soles are non-negotiable.
* Mind the steps: Be aware of the uneven surfaces and narrow passages, especially when descending.
* Fear of heights: If you have a significant fear of heights, this climb might be too daunting.
* Children: Younger children may find the climb difficult.
Despite the cautionary tales, the overwhelming sentiment is that the breathtaking views from the top far outweigh the perceived risks for those who are prepared and mindful.
Architectural Significance and Views
From the summit, visitors are treated to unparalleled panoramic vistas. The 360-degree views encompass the charming red-tiled roofs of Rovinj's old town, the intricate network of narrow streets, and the vast, shimmering expanse of the Adriatic Sea dotted with islands. This vantage point offers a unique perspective on the coastal beauty and historical layout of this Istrian gem, making it a highlight for photographers and sightseers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit