Motovun Hill Town | Rijeka

Motovun Hill Town, perched on a hill in the heart of Istria, Croatia, is one of the most charming and picturesque towns in the region. Famous for its medieval architecture, stunning views, and historical significance, Motovun offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, set against the backdrop of lush rolling hills and vineyards. It is widely known for its Venetian-style architecture, fortified walls, and its place in Istria’s rich cultural and culinary history.

Overview of Motovun Hill Town

Motovun is a walled hilltop town located about 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Mirna River Valley. The town’s origins date back to Roman times, and it has since been influenced by various civilizations, including the Venetians, Austrians, and Italians. The town’s historic core, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and fortified walls, has been well-preserved, making it one of the most attractive towns in Istria for visitors interested in history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Key Attractions and Highlights

1. Town Walls and City Gates

The fortified walls of Motovun are one of the town’s most prominent features. Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, the walls served as protection against invaders and provided a defensive stronghold for the town. The walls are still well-preserved today, and visitors can walk along the top of the walls for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Motovun also features three main gates:

• The Main Gate: The largest and most ornate of the gates, leading into the heart of the town. It is decorated with a Venetian lion, a symbol of the town’s historical ties to the Republic of Venice.
• The South Gate: Known for its simple and functional design, the South Gate was an important entrance for merchants and travelers.
• The West Gate: A quieter, lesser-known entrance, but still significant in the town’s medieval defense system.

2. Motovun's Old Town (Centro Storico)

Motovun’s old town is a delightful maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, stone houses, and medieval buildings. As you wander through the town, you will come across historic churches, quaint cafes, and artisan shops. The town's relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to explore its winding lanes, uncovering hidden gems along the way.

The town is centered around a main square, where you can find several important buildings, including:

• The Church of St. Stephen (Crkva sv. Stjepana): This baroque-style church is located on the town's main square and houses some notable artwork, including a wooden altar and 18th-century frescoes.
• The Town Loggia (Gradska Loggia): This Renaissance-era building once served as a place for public gatherings and official ceremonies. Today, it remains an important historical landmark and a symbol of the town's civic life during Venetian rule.
• The Venetian Tower: Located near the Loggia, this is a remnant of Motovun’s time under Venetian rule, and it provides a glimpse into the town's military past.

3. The Viewpoint and the Bell Tower

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Motovun is the breathtaking panoramic view from the town’s hilltop. From here, you can see the Mirna River Valley, the surrounding vineyards, and the nearby Učka Mountain. On clear days, the Alps are visible in the distance. The best viewpoint is near the bell tower of the Church of St. Stephen, where visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Istrian countryside.

For a more immersive experience, you can climb the bell tower, which offers an even more elevated view of the entire town and its surroundings. The tower is one of Motovun's most iconic structures and a fantastic spot for photography.

4. Truffle Hunting and Gastronomy

Motovun is world-renowned for its connection to the truffle industry. The region around Motovun is considered one of the best places in the world to find white truffles, which are highly prized in the culinary world for their unique flavor and aroma. The town hosts the Motovun Truffle Festival every fall, celebrating all things truffle, including truffle hunting, cooking classes, and tastings.

The town’s restaurants and taverns are excellent places to sample dishes made with fresh truffles. Truffle-based specialties, such as truffle pasta, truffle risotto, and truffle-infused olive oil, are popular in Motovun and throughout the Istrian region. Besides truffles, the town is also known for its local olive oil, wine, and cheese, making it a haven for food enthusiasts.

5. The Motovun Forest

The Motovun Forest (Motovunska Šuma) lies just outside the town and is a lush, protected area famous for its rich biodiversity, including the abundance of truffles. The forest is home to oak, hornbeam, and cedar trees, as well as various wildlife such as wild boar, foxes, and deer. This area is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and truffle hunting tours, which visitors can enjoy with local guides who are experts in truffle foraging.

6. The Motovun Film Festival

Motovun is also known for its annual Motovun Film Festival, one of Croatia’s most prestigious film events. Held every summer, the festival showcases independent films and attracts filmmakers, artists, and film lovers from around the world. The festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the town’s vibrant cultural scene, with screenings held in the open air, under the stars, in the charming setting of Motovun’s historic squares.

7. The Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Motovun is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Istria. The Istrian wine region is known for its Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) wines, which thrive in the region’s unique climate and soil. Many wineries in the area offer wine tastings, where visitors can sample these local wines while enjoying the serene beauty of the vineyards.

8. The Motovun Walls Walk

Visitors can take a walk along the town walls, which is one of the best ways to see the town's architecture and get sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The walls are accessible from several points in the town, and walking along them provides an unforgettable experience as you follow the old defensive walls that date back to the Middle Ages.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Accessibility: Motovun is a hilltop town, so the narrow streets can be steep and challenging, especially for those with limited mobility. However, the town is quite small and walkable, and the reward of panoramic views makes the effort worth it.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Motovun is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The town is particularly lively during the Motovun Film Festival in July, but it can also be charming during the truffle festival in October when the truffle season peaks.
• Parking: Parking is available at the entrances to the town, but it can be limited during the high season. It’s a good idea to park in one of the designated lots at the foot of the hill and then walk up to the town center.
• Dining and Accommodation: Motovun has several restaurants that serve traditional Istrian cuisine, especially those specializing in truffles, olive oil, and local wines. There are also a range of guesthouses and small hotels in the town, many offering rooms with stunning views.

Conclusion

Motovun Hill Town is a true gem of Istria, offering a blend of rich history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views. Whether you're interested in exploring its historical sites, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the town, Motovun offers something for everyone. With its enchanting medieval streets, world-class food, and cultural heritage, Motovun is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Istria.