This Motovun guide will present some of the main attractions of this little town in Istria, Croatia. Furthermore, it will show why and when to visit it, plus a few more charming peculiarities that make it even more appealing.
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General information about Motovun
Motovun is a village in Croatia with 500 inhabitants. It is located on a hill and offers a beautiful landscape view. The town has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with numerous attractions and buildings showcasing its past.
It is a captivating hilltop town and one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. The historic core, dominated by a 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic bell tower, is incredibly appealing. The central square boasts the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period, surrounded by many other historic buildings. As it has long since been an attractive and popular tourist destination, visitors can find accommodation in the town center, at Hotel Kaštel, or in the restored palace of the Polesini family. Our travel guide provides all the essential information about Motovun-Montona, including our personal experiences, stunning pictures, and top-rated attractions. We have also listed the best accommodations to ensure your stay in Motovun-Montona is unforgettable. So, suppose you want to explore the heart of Istria. In that case, Motovun-Montona is a must-visit destination you shouldn’t miss!
Getting to Motovun
If you plan to travel to Motovun from Porec or Rovinj, remember that only a few buses are available. It’s advisable to ask the locals for bus schedules. However, if you’re traveling from other parts of Istria or the same towns, consider taking a bus from the inland city of Pazin, which takes less than 30 minutes to reach Motovun.
However, having your car would be more convenient if you plan to visit Motovun. Driving to the town from various locations in Istria is relatively easy, and having a car would also allow you to explore the surrounding areas more conveniently.
Note: Click here for the best public transport options to Motovun from neighboring towns.
Best Things to Do in Motovun
Motovun in Istria is a must-visit town with a picturesque old town and stunning surroundings.
- The Town Gates: Check out the historical town gates, which lead to a well-preserved fortress in the heart of the town. Don’t miss the “Toranj novih vrata” gate with coats of arms of important Venetian patrician families. The surrounding area is breathtaking.
- Trg. Piazza de Soto: Take advantage of The Montona Gallery for a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine with a picture of the historic city walls and the Istrian landscape.
- Church Sv. Stjepan: Remember the city cathedral, designed by Andrea Palladio. It features a freestanding bell tower and offers a breathtaking town view.
- Main Square Trg Andrea Antico: Visit Motovun’s Trg Andrea Antico for fascinating monuments and attractions from the 14th to 17th century. Don’t miss the Church of St. Stjepan, the Municipal Palace facade, and the beautiful 15th-century stone fountain.
- City Wall: It’s one of the best-preserved fortresses in Istria. Furthermore, it offers an impressive view of the green valley and romantic surroundings.
Note: Find suitable accommodations in or around Motovun.
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Culinary delights in Motovun
Motovun is also a place to try its exceptional cuisine. Gourmets and wine connoisseurs will love it as the town is home to exquisite restaurants, traditional konobas, and wine taverns that offer regional wines from the best winemakers such as Benvenuti, Roxanich, Falkin, and Tomaz. The region surrounding Motovun is renowned for its truffles, so many of these establishments serve guests typical local specialties and truffle dishes.
Visit its wineries
The wines around Motovun are full-bodied and fruit-forward; you can expect to find a delicious bottle of Teran. If you want to visit local wineries, check out Benvenuti, Fakin, and Tomaz. You can call or e-mail ahead to arrange tastings; all three wineries are happy accommodating visitors.
Join a festival
This charming village has a lot to offer regarding festivals and local attractions. The Motovun Film Festival is a popular event in July. It features a variety of films from all over the world. In addition to the movie, music performances, and art installations, the festival is a unique experience. The October Motovun Truffle Days festival is worth checking out for those who enjoy food festivals. Despite being a small village, Motovun has much to offer visitors, so add it to your travel itinerary.
Around Motovun
We highly recommend spending a few days in this region because there are many other small mountain villages near Motovun, such as Hum, Buje, or Groznjan. Motovun is known for its mouth-watering food and fantastic Croatian wines. The old town boasts numerous excellent restaurants. And you can find truffles from the surrounding forests on almost every menu.
Note: Find suitable accommodations in or around Motovun.
The Forest of Motovun
The Motovun forest is a rare Mediterranean forest of common oak, narrow-leafed ash, and elm. It’s the last remaining lowland forest and covers 275 hectares. Truffle harvesting is allowed, but any other intervention is prohibited.
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Parenzana
The Parenzana railway, also known as Istrijanka, was once a major transportation route from Trieste in Italy to Porec on the Istrian coast. Although it was closed in 1935, parts of the trail remain popular among mountain bikers, hikers, and cyclists. One of the most popular routes is the hike along the Parenzana trail to the village of Vizinada, which covers about 12km. It’s a great way to explore the region’s beautiful scenery and learn about its history.
Enjoy the nearby spa.
Istarske Toplice in Livade has a thermal water source used by Romans, with mineral-rich healing waters at the Spring of Sv Stjepan. The spa, formerly Terme Santo Stefano, has been a destination for locals seeking treatment for rheumatic and dermatological ailments.
Conclusion
Motovun is a genuinely enchanting little town best known for its breathtaking hilltop position and culinary delights. However, it is not the only townlet there worth visiting. So, if you have any other suggestions on what to do there or which Istrian villages to visit, please share them with us in the comments below.
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Feature Image credits: vintagetravel.co.uk