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City of Motovun

Location

Istria

Croatia

45° 20' 8.772" N, 13° 49' 44.184" E

See map: Google Maps

HR

General info:

Motovun is a medieval town that grew up on the site of an ancient city called Kastelijer. It is situated on a hill 270 metres (886 feet) above sea level with houses scattered all over the hill.

From 1278 the town was taken over by Venice and surrounded by solid walls which are still intact today, and used as a walkway with unique views over the four corners of Istria. It is a typical example of Venetian colonial architecture.

The town is also the birthplace of the legend of the gentle giant Veli Joze, who represents the Croatian population of Istria. Since 1999 the village has hosted the Motovun Film Festival, where European or US directors participate with their avant-garde or independent films. Since 2007, Motovun is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Getting there:

Direct bus lines are available between Porec and Motovun. From Rijeka it is easiest reached by car.

Interesting places nearby

Champéry

Between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, two regions have merged across the Franco-Swiss border to form a single region known as Portes du Soleil.

Champoluc - Monterosa Ski

The giant Monterosa ski area is one of the world's largest, and thanks to recent investment in new lifts you can now ski or board without needing to stop for 180km between the resorts of Champoluc and Gressoney and Gressoney on to Alagna

Champorcher

The main Champorcher ski area below Rosa dei Banchi is accessed by a cable car to Laris followed by the 2km Cimetta Rosa drag lift. The village itself has five hotels and a discotheque.

Champoussin

Champoussin : This Valaisan village, built in the architectural style typical of the Val d’Illiez, will enchant you with its rustic authenticity.

Chamrousse

The Chamrousse ski resort is at the situated just at the entrance to an area known as the Belledonne, only 30km from Grenoble.

Charmey

The traditional mountain village of Charmey lies at the heart of La Gruyère. As a guest here you will benefit from a highly developed tourist infrastructure within a pristine landscape.