Motovun - an amazing city on a hill in Croatia (8 photos)

The Croatian city of Motovun is located on the Istrian peninsula. top of a steep hill (277 m above sea level), covered with stones.





It rises above the Mirna River. The road leads to the buildings consisting of exactly 1052 steps, so visiting this place designed only for purposeful tourists. And upstairs really there is something to admire!

The history of Motovun dates back to Roman times. Initially it was founded as a camp for legionnaires during campaigns against barbarians. Then, like much of Croatia, it came under sovereignty of Venice, which is due to the further development of the system fortifications. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the whole city was surrounded walls. The historic bell tower also belongs to this period. The strategic and very convenient location influenced the current appearance Motovun. The name of the city comes from early Celtic times and translated as "city on a hill".



City development

The taller the buildings, the older they are. Over time, population growth led to the construction of buildings, including on the slopes of this and the surrounding hills, turning it all into a typical commercial village. In the Old buildings in the Renaissance and Baroque styles appeared in the city, but the medieval atmosphere is still felt in the city the most. Main representative of the Renaissance style - the spectacular yellow church of St. Stephen. It is worth visiting because it hides a beautiful marble altar depicting St. Stefan and Wawrzyniec and stained glass windows of Christ and Virgin Mary in the Presbyterian section. The architecture of the church was designed Venetian master Andrea Palladio.





Church of St. Stephen in Motovun

In the 16th century, in order to increase the level of security, the settlement was enriched with a castle. You still enter the city by crossing large gate that gives the impression of penetrating some very mysterious place.

Today, the city is home to several famous organizations such as the International Center for Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages and International Center Anthropological Sciences (ICAM). Every year at the end of summer film festival, which is already inscribed in the kaleidoscope of Croatian cultural events on an ongoing basis.

Amazing scenery in Motovun

The most beautiful landscapes open up while walking along city walls. The area is very green, so you can clearly see vineyards and forests. This is the ideal place for hikers and cycling trips. Climbing numerous charming hills, you will certainly improve your fitness. The climate is warm and soft, but thanks to the shady greenery, high temperatures are not so tiresome.



Beyond the top views, the postcard-like landscape stretches from under the foot of the hill outside the city. Tourists who get to Motovuna, stop very often to capture the amazing view of the stone city, rising from the green hill and going straight into sky.

An interesting fact is that the map of the city was placed on the reverse side of the banknote of 10 kunas. In it constantly there are only 500 inhabitants. There is a bit of artistry in Motovun. Here artists willingly come, admiring the beautiful views and soft balance of colors. Because of this artistic bohemia, Poles living in city, compare it with Kazimierz Dolny.



Wine and truffles

Motovun's fame also extends to cooking. From here the famous Teran and Malvasia wines originate, and the surroundings of the city are rich truffles of the highest quality, which attracts gourmets of this signature dishes from all over the world. The season for them is from October to January. This concerns exquisite white truffles, because their black counterparts can be meet in the summer. They don't use pigs to track them underground, as is commonly believed, but dogs specially trained for this.

In addition, the area is overgrown with many walnut trees, so you can try this midday-aged delicacy Sun.



City of Poreč, Croatia

From Motovun close to Poreč, Rovinj and Umag, popular Adriatic cities. The city attracts many tourists who are more often all come from hereYes, just looking for a place closer to the beach. There is no places for entertainment, so lovers of nightlife choose other nearby cities.



City of Umag, Croatia

However, you can find some great restaurants serving dishes with the addition of truffles. If the contents of the wallet do not allow enjoy the most magnificent instances of this delicacy, you can also try the truffle omelette where they are smaller but the same delicious.



City of Rovinj, Croatia