City of Motovun

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Location

Istria
Croatia
45° 20' 8.772" N, 13° 49' 44.184" E
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

Bardonecchia, with over 100 km of slopes and 23 ski lifts, is made up two ski areas. On one side there's the area that includes Colomion, Les Arnauds and Melezet, which is characteristized by wide slopes that cut through the forest.

Spread out on a sunny plateau above Lake Thun, with magnificent views of the Jungfrau's highest peaks, Beatenberg is a small, totally unspoilt settlement attracting visitors throughout the year.

Bed?ichov ski resort is located in the central part of the Jizerské Mountains. The slopes of the ski resort Bed?ichov are suitable for families with children.

In the Swiss ski resort Belalp – Blatten – Naters you will find slopes of all difficulty levels that reach an altitude of 3100 metres. Skiing in Belalp is a sunny and snowy activity due to the resort’s good climatic conditions.

A resort with excellent off-slope facilities and both a lift link to Moena over the mountain in the Fassa Valley, and affiliation to the Val di Fiemme and Dolomiti Superski passes.

The Abetone pass, with an altitude of 1388 mt, is on the border between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany and hosts one of the most important ski resorts in the Appenines.