Motovun Favorites

Favorite thing: The passageway of the main gate is decorated with the founds from the medieval times of Motovun. Besides the inevitable collection of winged Venetian lions, here you can see coat of arms of noble families from the town and its surroundings. Also, there are a few basreliefs of the medieval tombs.

Favorite thing: Most of the medieval towns have had double row of the defending walls. This is the point from where the final defending battle have started.
The main gate of the town is carved by the Venetian lion because, in the medieval times, town itself was conquored by the Venetian Republic.

Favorite thing: The medieval town Loggia is situated right in front ot the upper city gate. In the past times it served for the community meetings, open court, or night-shelter to those who came in the town after the gate was closed.
It is one of the best spot for sightseeing of town surroundings and the Mirna valley.

Favorite thing: The huge parish church St. Steven, which was built in the Middle Ages, dominates the Main Square of the town. Its front facade is very simple with no ornaments, except the blind rose window above the main entrance.
The bellfry of the church served also as the defending tower.

Favorite thing: This is the Main Gate throughout you entrance in the old core of the town. It is a part of the first line of the city fortifications, built in the Middle Ages. Right above the gate there is a very interesting coat of arms, and the defending tower which was transformed into the apartment.

Favorite thing: As you have probably noticed, the houses in the coastal part are built in a unique way. The people have to defend themselves from heat & cold, wind & rain - sometimes even snow! The houses are usually made of stone, which is pretty famous! If you didn't know, the White House in Washington D.C. was built of Croatian stone (from the island of Brac) & some buildings in Venice of stone from Istria! Fascinating, huh? :)

Favorite thing: Motovun is a favourite excursion place in the inland of Istria, mostly thanks to its mild climate, local specialty restaurants, galleries, concerts, exhibitions and the International Motovun Film Festival.