St Euphemia Bell Tower
1 / 10

St Euphemia Bell Tower

3.1
·11 reviews·Rovinj, Croatia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
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St Euphemia Bell Tower

St Euphemia Bell Tower

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

3.1
(11 reviews)

"The climb is definitely worth it; the view from the top is fantastic!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

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

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

Venetian Influence

Bell Tower Exterior

Notice the bell tower's resemblance to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, a nod to historical ties.

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Planning Your Visit

Climb with Caution

The bell tower climb offers incredible views, but be prepared for uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly wooden stairs. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential. Some visitors find the climb challenging, especially going down, but many deem it worth the effort for the panoramic vistas.

Ticket & Timing

Tickets are reasonably priced at around €4 per person. While the climb is accessible, it's not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights or very young children. Check local listings for potential seasonal hours or closures.

Best Times

When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to the beautiful city of Rovinj in Croatia! The majestic bell tower of St. Euphemia Church towers over the city 🇭🇷 #rovinj #croatia #croatia🇭🇷 #church #catholic #church #catholicchurch #sainteuphemia #city #dronevideo
restoreeurope
44 likes • 400 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Crucial for the uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly stairs. Good grip is a must! Reddit+1

⬆️ Worth the Climb

Despite the challenging stairs, the views are spectacular and widely considered worth the effort. Reddit+1

I wanted to GIVE UP when I saw this 😩 This is the Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj, Croatia which is located in the Istria region. One of the “things to do” in Rovinj is climb the bell tower. I thought, why not? I wasn’t ready for what I experienced. The steps were uneven with large gaps in between. My cane rollerball went right through the gaps so I was holding my cane with the tightest ...
blindishlatina
346 likes • 10.9K views
Mediterranean magic. This time… Croatia! 🇭🇷Exploring the stunning Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj — a baroque beauty dating back to 1736, crowned with a tall bell tower that offers breathtaking views over the city and the sea. Sailing into history, faith, and endless horizons.
angiemariasan
4 likes • 110 views

🌬️ Brace for Wind

Expect wind at the top, especially on breezy days. A hair tie or brush might be useful! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The small entrance fee of around €4 offers incredible value for the experience and views. Reddit

Throwback to one of those great days, when everything looked beautiful and life seemed easy. Well, that's the feeling you get when you climb up the bell tower of St. Euphemia and take a look from above. #rovinj #rovigno #istra #istria #terramagica #visitistria #ig_istria #visitcroatia #croatiafulloflife #croatiathevacationyoudeserve #croatialive #beautifulview #beautifuldestinations #amazingview...
perkymeetsworld
57 likes • 766 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Crucial for the uneven, narrow, and potentially wobbly stairs. Good grip is a must! Reddit+1

⬆️ Worth the Climb

Despite the challenging stairs, the views are spectacular and widely considered worth the effort. Reddit+1

🌬️ Brace for Wind

Expect wind at the top, especially on breezy days. A hair tie or brush might be useful! Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

The small entrance fee of around €4 offers incredible value for the experience and views. Reddit

⚠️ Safety Awareness

Be mindful of the stairs' condition; proceed with caution, especially when descending. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

3.1
(11 reviews)

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

Spectacular panoramic views
Affordable entrance fee
Historic architectural landmark

What People Dislike

Uneven and narrow stairs
Safety concerns about stairs

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

No, there is no elevator in the St. Euphemia Bell Tower. The ascent is entirely via the wooden staircase. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Early morning can also be great for fewer crowds and softer light. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the St. Euphemia Bell Tower offers incredible views, families with very young children should exercise caution. The climb involves steep, narrow, and uneven wooden stairs, which can be challenging for little ones to navigate safely.Reddit It's advisable to assess your child's comfort with heights and their ability to manage such a climb before purchasing tickets. Consider if the potential stress of the ascent outweighs the reward of the view for your family.

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The St. Euphemia Bell Tower is an excellent value for budget travelers. For a small fee of around €4, you get access to a unique historical structure and some of the most stunning panoramic views in Croatia.Reddit This makes it a highly recommended activity for those looking to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.

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. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the St. Euphemia Bell Tower is a dream location. The climb itself offers interesting interior shots of the old wooden structure,TikTok while the summit provides unparalleled opportunities for breathtaking panoramic photography of Rovinj and the Adriatic coastline.Instagram+1 The golden hour light in the late afternoon is particularly magical for capturing the city's charm.

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Climb: A Traveler's Perspective

The ascent up the St. Euphemia Bell Tower is a significant part of the experience, and traveler accounts highlight its unique challenges and rewards. The stairs are described as uneven, narrow, and made of old wood, with some visitors noting they feel wobbly. This has led to some strong warnings about safety, with one reviewer even mentioning the ticket seller admitting it was dangerous.Reddit However, many others emphasize that with caution and appropriate footwear, the climb is manageable and absolutely worth the effort.Reddit+1 The relatively low cost of around €4 also makes it an accessible adventure for most visitors.

Key Takeaways for the Climb:

* Footwear is paramount: Non-slip, sturdy shoes with good soles are non-negotiable. Reddit+1
* Mind the steps: Be aware of the uneven surfaces and narrow passages, especially when descending. Reddit
* Fear of heights: If you have a significant fear of heights, this climb might be too daunting. Reddit
* Children: Younger children may find the climb difficult. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Architectural Significance and Views

The Church of St. Euphemia, crowned by its iconic bell tower, is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and a defining feature of Rovinj's skyline.Instagram+1 The tower itself, standing at approximately 60 meters, bears a striking resemblance to the Campanile of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, hinting at the historical Venetian influence on the region.Instagram+1 At its apex sits a statue of Saint Euphemia, the patron saint of Rovinj, adding a spiritual dimension to the structure.

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.InstagramReddit+1 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. Instagram