Motovun, City: Facts, What to Eat, What To Buy & Tourist Attraction
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 30 May, 2023
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Motovun, a medieval hilltop town nestled in the foothills of central Istria, is a delightful vista for travelers looking to explore the history, culture, and cuisine of Croatia. Rich in history, Motovun has long been known as a guard of the Venetian Empire, making it no surprise that it has a distinct Venetian influence across the city.
While visitors to Motovun can discover its unique culture, they can also enjoy it diverse range of local cuisine, find souvenirs in charming shops, and explore popular attractions. Here, we take a closer look into Motovun and discover the city behind the captivating hilltop views.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Motovun, City
1. Motovun is a medieval hilltop town in the Istria region of Croatia.
2. It is located in the center of the Istrian peninsula, overlooking the Mirna River valley.
3. It is renowned for its annual film festival, the Motovun Film Festival, which takes place in July.
4. Motovun was once an important defensive stronghold, with walls more than a mile long and over twenty towers.
5. The town has a beautiful selection of churches and museums, and the Venetian-style Parenzana bicycle trail passes through the town.
6. The area around Motovun is home to a number of truffle orchards, and is a major destination for truffle hunters.
7. The town is also home to an ancient basilica, which dates back to the 12th century and is constructed in Romanesque-Gothic style.
8. The narrow cobbled streets of Motovun are lined with small shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a unique look at local life.
9. A funicular railway links the old town with the nearby village of Livade.
10. Local legend has it that the fairies of Motovun still live around the hills and sing their enchanting songs at night.
Famous Food To Eat In Motovun City
Motovun is an ancient city in Croatia, located at the top of a hill surrounded by magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. It is well-known for its delicious cuisine, with many restaurants serving traditional dishes that have been in the family for generations. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the famous dishes to eat in Motovun city:
1. Truffle pasta: Truffle pasta is a dish made with truffles and cream, mixed with spaghetti and served with a dusting of Parmesan cheese.
2. Jota: Jota is a traditional Croatian stew combining beans, potatoes and sauerkraut, served with bread for dipping.
3. Sarma: Sarma is a traditional dish of ground beef and pork, mixed with rice and wrapped in cabbage leaves.
4. Kastada: Kastada is a type of strudel with apples and almonds, served with thick cream or ice cream.
5. Strukli: Strukli is a cheese-filled pastry, served hot with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon.
Best Things To Buy In Motovun City For Souvenirs
Motovun City is located in the Istrian interior and is renowned for its cobblestoned streets and stunning vista views. Due to its unique heritage and natural beauty, Motovun City is the perfect destination if you are looking for unique souvenirs that can remind you of your visit for a lifetime. Here are some of the best things to buy in Motovun City for souvenirs:
1. Teran wine – Teran is a strong red wine that is produced in the Motovun area. Drinking it will give you a taste of the local culture and will make for an excellent souvenir!
2. Handmade lace – When visiting Motovun, you must not miss out on the opportunity to buy the traditional lace from the city made by skilled artisans. Lace making is an age-old craft in the area, and the pieces that you can find here are of excellent quality.
3. Olive oil – No visit to this city is complete without purchasing some of the best olive oil in the world. The locals have been perfecting the process of producing award-winning olive oil for centuries, and you can find some of the best extra virgin olive oils here that will bring the tangy flavor of the region to your table.
4. Truffles – Motovun is renowned for its truffles and buying some truffles is a great way to remember your visit (even if you can’t eat them). On your trip to Motovun, make sure to sample some of the local truffle dishes and buy some preserved truffles to take home.
5. Lavender products – Motovun is known for its incredible lavender fields. During the summer months, you can go lavender picking and buy some of the finest lavender products from the city. From soaps and shampoos to essential oils, the lavender products in Motovun are hard to resist.
Best Tourist Attraction In Motovun City
Motovun City is a small, picturesque hill-top village in Croatia. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, historic monuments and interesting activities. A visit to Motovun is the perfect way to deepen your knowledge of Croatian culture and explore the Balkan region. With its tradition-rich atmosphere, spending time in Motovun is simply a unique experience.
One of Motovun’s top tourist attractions is the Mirakul Castle. It is located on the crest of Motoquin’s hill and offers an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. From the 14th century, the castle has been in continuous use, and is a great example of Gothic architecture. Not only can you take a deep dive into its fascinating history, but you can also get a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of its past occupants.
Another great attraction in Motovun is the Motovun Film Festival. The film festival has been running since 1999 and showcases international films in an intimate atmosphere. If you are a fan of indie cinema, the film fest is a must-visit.
The old city centre of Motovun is a beautiful cobbled street lined with historic buildings. The old city centre also offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. You can find many interesting shops and restaurants to explore.
Overall, Motovun offers a unique variety of attractions and activities that make it one of the best tourist destinations in the region. From the medieval castle to the unique film festival, Motovun City is must-visit place for any traveler.
What To Do In Motovun City
1. Marvel at Croatian History and Art at City Galerija Motovun
City Galerija Motovun is a great place to learn about Croatian history and art. Here, you’ll find many galleries that feature works from contemporary Croatian artists.
2. Go Hiking around the City
Motovun is well situated in the hills of Istrian, making it an ideal place for hiking. Stroll through the beautiful forest and picturesque rural villages nearby.
3. Go to the Antiques Fair
Every summer, an Antiques Fair is held in the city where you can find unusual items and souvenirs. There are plenty of vendors, selling unique furnishings, jewellery, and much more.
4. Visit the Local Vineyards
Motovun is famous for its vineyards, and you can pay them a visit the same day. Learn about the local wine-making culture, and sample some of the best wines the country has to offer.
5. Enjoy the Sunset from the Tower
The St. Stephen’s Tower near the city center is a great place to watch the sun set. You can admire the breathtaking views of the hills of Istrian from the top of the tower.
History & Information About Motovun City
Motovun is a small hilltop town located in central Istria, Croatia. It is situated on an elevated position above flatlands along the Mirna River valley.
With its medeival walls and towers, stunning views and proximity to vineyards, Motovun is a popular tourist destination. It has been inhabited since ancient times and was first mentioned in written records in the 7th century. In the 13th century, it was part of the Venetian Republic, and between 1420 and 1797 it belonged to the Austrian Empire.
The town is well-known for its annual festival of independent film, called the Motovun Film Festival, which started in 1999. The festival attracts filmmakers from around the world and features films from many different countries.
Today, Motovun is an important center for the production of truffles and olive oil, and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Its cobbled streets, churches, museums, galleries and boutique hotels make it a unique and attractive destination for visitors.
What is Motovun City is Known For
Motovun is a hilltop town located in central Istria, Croatia, overlooking the Mirna River Valley, known for its medieval walls and Venetian architecture. The city is home to a number of festivals, such as Motovun Film Festival. It is also the place where white truffles are dug, which serves as a popular dish in the town’s restaurants.