Motovun: The Enchanting City on the Hill!
Motovun is a charming hilltop village in Croatia, located in the beautiful inland region of Istria. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and the lush green fields of the Mirna Valley, this picturesque medieval town captivates visitors with its authentic charm and breathtaking views. The charming old town of Motovun sits proudly atop a steep hill, offering a glimpse into Istria’s rich history and timeless beauty. Among the top attractions are the ancient fortress that forms the heart of the town and the narrow cobbled streets lined with cozy restaurants, local wine bars, and artisan shops selling regional products. Motovun is also famous for its truffles and fine Istrian wines, making it a true delight for food and wine lovers. Whether you visit as part of a day trip or spend a few days exploring, Motovun is an absolute highlight for anyone traveling through Istria.
In this travel guide, we share all the essential information about Motovun in Croatia. You’ll find the best things to do, stunning photos, insider tips, and recommendations on where to stay for a perfect visit to this enchanting Istrian gem.
Good to know!
As a very special place to stay in Motovun we can highly recommend the beautiful Wine & Heritage Hotel ROXANICH in a unique location with an infinity pool.
A few days in this region are worthwhile because in the immediate vicinity of Motovun there are many other small mountain villages to discover, such as Hum, Buje, or Groznjan.
Motovun is famous for its delicious food and the fantastic Croatian wines. In the old town there are many excellent restaurants and local truffles can be found on almost every menu.
General Information about Motovun
The Croatian town Motovun is located in the north of Istria, about 35 kilometers from Umag, 30 kilometers from Novigrad, 40 kilometers from Porec and 45 kilometers from Rovinj. With a population of only 500 inhabitants, Motovun is a small village, but not less worth seeing. A special feature is the romantic town center of Motovun, which is surrounded by historic town walls that were built in the Middle Ages. Particularly impressive is also its location on a 277-metre-high hill, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the picturesque landscape of the Mirna Valley.
The history of Motovun goes back to ancient times. The earliest records are from the end of the 2nd century to the beginning of the 3rd century. In Roman times, the settlement was called “Montana”, although it is still called so in Italian. At the end of the 5th century, the town was under Byzantine rule and from 1278 until the end of the 18th century it was owned by the Venetians. Even today, you can admire numerous attractions and buildings of this rich history. But also the surrounding area with its hilly forests is beautiful and invites you to go hiking.
Best Things to Do in Motovun
A visit to the small town of Motovun is considered to be one of the best things to do in Istria and is therefore a popular tourist destination. During a stroll through the alleys of this picturesque old town, there are many things worth seeing, and the surroundings also have surprises in store! Here is a summary of the most beautiful attractions of Motovun at a glance:
The Town Gates
The beautiful historical town gates, some of which date back to the 14th century and others to the 16th century, are among the most important attractions of the village Motovun. They lead directly to the heart of the old town, which is surrounded by an imposing and well-preserved fortress. Particularly impressive is the gate “Toranj novih vrata” on the outer ring of walls, which is decorated with the coats of arms of influential Venetian patrician families.
Trg. Piaza de Soto
Just beyond this gates lies Trg Piazza Josef Ressel, also known as Trg Piaza de Soto, one of the most beautiful squares in Motovun. Several inviting cafés and restaurant terraces line the square, offering the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Mirna Valley while enjoying a rich Croatian coffee or a glass of local wine. Next to the square, visitors can also explore the 17th-century town loggia and pass through another historic city gate that leads directly into the heart of Motovun’s old town.
Church Sv. Stjepan
The Church of St. Stephen (Sv. Stjepan), located in the old town of Motovun on the main square Trg Andrea Antico, is one of the town’s most impressive landmarks. Designed by the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, this beautiful church was built in the 17th century, while its free-standing bell tower dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can climb the tower for a small fee of around 4 EUR and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over Motovun and the picturesque rooftops of the old town.
Main square Trg Andrea Antico
One of the main attractions of the town is the main square Trg Andrea Antico, named after the composer Andrea Antico, who was born in Motovun. Here you can visit several interesting monuments and attractions from the 14th to the 17th century: The above-mentioned church of St. Stjepan, the freestanding bell tower, the facade of the Municipal Palace and a stone fountain from the 15th century.
Tip: Situated at the lower end of the Main Square is the Polesini Palace, which today houses the beautifully renovated Boutique Hotel Kaštel.
City Wall
One of the most important monuments of Motovun is the historical wall of the fortress, which today is one of the best preserved fortresses in Istria. No less than 2 rings of walls surround the historical center of the town. A tour of the historical town wall is a must on almost every trip to Motovun because from this spot you will enjoy the impressive view of the green valley and romantic surroundings.
Tip: The entrance fee to the city wall currently costs 5 EURO per person, and the walls can be visited daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Culinary delights in Motovun
Another reason to visit Motovun is without a doubt its exceptional cuisine. Food lovers and wine enthusiasts will feel like they’re in heaven here, as the old town is home to numerous excellent restaurants, traditional konobas, and wine bars where you can taste regional wines from top Istrian winemakers such as Benvenuti, Roxanich, Falkin, and Tomaz. The area surrounding Motovun is also a true truffle paradise, and many of these charming eateries serve local specialties and delicious truffle-based dishes. Highly recommended spots include Bistro Bar Montana Gallery, Konoba Mondo, and Theodora Wine Bar. A hidden gem for coffee lovers is Caffe Bar Mure, where you can enjoy a cup of espresso with a romantic view over the valley.
Tip: A truffle festival takes place in Motovun from the end of September to the beginning of October. During this Zigante Truffle Days, you can get to know the highlights of regional cuisine.
Where to stay in Motovun
In the old town of Motovun and in the surroundings, there is a fantastic offer of accommodations. From beautiful vacation apartments, B&B and boutique hotels with pool, everything is here. If you are searching for a recommendable place to stay, we can give you these accommodation tips…It’s worth a look!
- Heritage Hotel with Pool: The Wine & Heritage Hotel ROXANICH is one of the best hotels in Motovun. Guests love the location with a great view, the infinity pool and the beautiful rooms.
- B&B: The Villa Borgo B&B is a small pension in the old town of Motovun. Unique here is the extensive breakfast on the wonderful terrace with a breathtaking view over the valley!
- Vacation Home: The Le Grand Cru Villa is the best accommodation for the perfect family vacation. Unique here is the extraordinary location with a view of the old town.
- Lovely little Vacation Apartment: The Motovun apartment has been furnished with great attention to detail and scores points for its great furnishings and view of the Mirna Valley.
Find the best accommodation in Motovun:
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