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The first mention of the town of Motovun called Montona (Celtic origin, meaning - Town in the hill) is found in the document from 804.
In 1271. Motovun came under the rule of Republic of Venice, under which it remained until 1797. It was this period that marked Motovun the most and for that reason there are 13 Venetian winged lions in the town.
A walk through the charming Motovun stone streets and squares is like a walk through time. It hides a rich treasury of cultural and historical monuments dating back to the 12th century.
Motovun - picturesque medieval town, a jewel of the interior of Istria located on top of a 277 meters high hill above the valley of the river Mirna. It is rich in natural and cultural sights, and is proud of its top wineries and traditional gastronomy, which is largely based on truffles from the Forest of Motovun.
Tower "New Gate" - lapidarium, 16th century
The old town center
Motovun - Town in the hill
The oldest parts of the city walls are from the 11th and 12th century, and the old town center is dominated by the municipal palace from the 13th c, the church of St Stephen from 17th c, the main city gate from the 13th c, the bell tower from the 13th c, and other cultural sights that make up an invaluable wealth of architectural heritage.
The highest point in the city is the 27 meter high bell tower. It served for a long time as an observation tower, and later became a bell tower.
For more information about Motovun, visit the Motovun Tourist Board link:
A legend says that a long time ago the giants inhabited the Mirna River Valley. They were so big that they handed to each other tools and big rocks thus building many small towns on the surrounding hills. Motovun was one of the towns built by giants at that time.
