Motovun, Istria, Croatia
Motovun is a picturesque village in the hills of Croatia, with beautiful views of the surrounding area, especially the Mirna River valley. The village is located in the central part of the Istrian peninsula, about 14 kilometers south of the town of Pazin.
It is an ideal place for tourists looking for peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Motovun attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture, picturesque views and delicious food and fine wines.
Motovun's history dates back to Roman times, when the town was an important trading center. In the Middle Ages, it became a center of culture, art and science, and its fortified walls were considered impregnable. Today, the town attracts tourists with its rich history, picturesque location and preserved architecture.
Parking in Motovun
Motovun is a small town, and the old town zone is closed to car traffic. Therefore, it is not possible to reach the town center directly by car. However, there are parking lots located near the entrance to the old town, such as the parking lot on the west side (1, GPS: 45.3346719, 13.8244222) and the parking lot on the east side (2, GPS: 45.3374092, 13.8334981).
After parking your car in the parking lot, you can walk a short distance to the old town of Motovun. There are also a few parking spaces along the road leading into town, but these spaces are limited and often fill up quickly, especially during the tourist season.
If you plan to stay in one of the hotels or apartments in Motovun, it is best to consult with the owner of your accommodation about parking options. Some hotels and apartments may have their own parking spaces or provide parking permits in nearby parking areas.
In general, if you plan to visit Motovun by car, the best option is to park your car in a designated parking lot and then walk to the old town. This will allow you to avoid the narrow and steep streets of the old town and enjoy the beautiful views on the way up.
The Old Town
Motovun's most important monument is the well-preserved old town, with its narrow streets, stone houses and fortified walls dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Here you can admire historic churches, such as the Church of St. Stjepan (St. Stephen) - built in the 12th century, reconstructed in the 17th century, in Romanesque and Gothic styles (A; GPS: 45.3366875, 13.8286261).
The clock tower, also known as Kaštel, served as a watchtower and was built in the 14th century. From the tower you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area and the town of Motovun.
Motovun is also famous for its film festival, which takes place here every July at Andrea Antico Square (B; GPS: 45.3367742, 13.8281622) and the nearby "Bauer" cinema. It is one of the most important film events in Croatia and attracts many well-known artists and filmmakers from around the world. Both feature films and documentaries are shown during the festival, and the public has the opportunity to meet filmmakers and participate in discussions on the art of filmmaking.
You can enter the old town through the interesting Vrata Blažene Djevice Marije gate (C; GPS: 45.3352678, 13.8285911.
However, Motovun's biggest attraction is its cuisine. It is here that you can taste the finest dishes, such as truffle dishes, fresh seafood and local wines. Restaurants in Motovun offer many delicious dishes, most of which are prepared with local ingredients, and this makes them taste special.
Motovun is also a great place for lovers of nature and active recreation. There are many hiking trails in the area that lead through beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. You can also go hiking in the Učka Nature Park, which lies to the east of Motovun. This park is home to many species of plants and animals, and you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area from the highest peak.
Motovun is an ideal vacation destination for those looking for beautiful scenery, peace and relaxation. This charming town in Istria provides everything you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the charm of the Croatian countryside.
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