Basic facts about Motovun

Motovun is a town in the Istrian county in which you can find the best preserved medieval fortress.
Municipality of Motovun is situated in the north of Istria County, near the town of Buzet and Pazin. It borders with the municipality Oprtalj, Buzet, Pazin, municipality Karojba and municipality Vizinada. Motovun is about 20 km form the sea.

History of Motovun

Settlement in the form of an acropolis, developed at the top of the steep hill, in prehistoric times, the Illyrian and Celtic tribes built their fort at the place where he is today located Motovun. His name is also of Celtic origin, and originates from the word Montona, which means the burning city.

In the past Motovun shared destiny of all Istrian villages. The remains of material culture from the middle Bronze Age, around 1500 years BC, were found on the plateau of the Motovun hill, testify about 3 500 years of continued life on this mountain. During the Roman rule in Istria, which followed the 177th The pK, Motovun has temporarily lost its original significance, because in the relatively peaceful times there was no need for a secure fortress, but for sites suitable for commerce and traffic.

Rule over Motovun continued through many centuries, until the second half of the 13th century came under Venice influence. In the next 5 centuries of Venice rule, Venice created the most important cultural and historical monuments, and Motovun an important strategic location for Venice began to take its present form of the city.

After the fall of Venice 1797th year, Austria and Italy changed power between for Motovun, until the Second World War when Motovun become part of Yugoslavia.

In year 1991. Motovun become part od Republic Croatia like other towns in Istria peninsula.

Once through Motovun passed Parenzana railroad, which realized a good place links to Porec in the west and with Slovenia and Italy to the north. Station has been preserved and is located at the foot of the hill on which is situated the old part of town, just before entering the so-called Motovun tunnel.