Motovun is an old town with 590 inhabitants. It lies on the hillock in the continental part of Istria in the valley of Mir-na above the primeval forest of Motovun on the Buzet-Porec road. The oldest part of this town was fortified by ramparts in the 14lh century. These ramparts are now turned into a promenade. A new suburb has since developed on the southern slopes of the hillock. All parts of the city are connected by outer and inner fortifications and keeps. The longest stone stairway in Croatia, consisting of 1052 stairs, leads from the valley of Mima to the city of Motovun. Vineyards of this area produce famous wines: red malvasia.
The city place is a part of the fortifications. The town's cistern is on the main square, Motovun has preserved its monumental appearance through conservation. The inner city door is built with elements of the Romanic and neo-gothic style. The belfry tower dating from the 13th century and the renaissance church of St. Stjepan, built in 1614 and designed by architect Paladin are on the main city square. Motovun was used by Vladimir Nazor, the famous Croatian poet, as a setting in which he placed his protagonist Veli Joze, the legendary personification of the Istrian poor struggling against the domination of foreign masters.
Several Motovun's houses have been equipped for the accommodation of guests. This city has an art gallery containing paintings and other objects which speak of the rich cultural past of this area. The catering establishment offers the culinary specialty of this area: truffles. The inside of the entrance keep has been turned into a modern bar and tavern in the Istrian stile.
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