Motovun

Motovun is the best-preserved medieval fortress on the Istrian peninsula - the most developed tourist region in Croatia. The settlement, shaped like an acropolis, developed on top of a steep hill. In prehistoric times, Illyrian and Celtic tribes built their fortresses where Motovun is located today. Its name is also of Celtic origin, derived from the word Montona, meaning "city in the mountains."

In its past, Motovun shared the fate of all Istrian settlements. Remains of material culture from the Middle Bronze Age, around 1500 BC, were found on the plateau of Motovun Hill and testify to approximately 3,500 years of continuous life on this hill. During the Roman rule in Istria, which followed after 177 BC, Motovun temporarily lost its original significance, as in these relatively peaceful times, there was no need for secure fortresses but rather for places suitable for trade and transport.

Throughout the centuries, various powers ruled over Motovun, until Venice claimed control in the second half of the 13th century. In the next 5 centuries of Venetian rule, the most important cultural and historical monuments were created, and Motovun, as a vital strategic location for Venice, began to take on its current form as a town.

After the fall of Venice in 1797, Austria and Italy alternated in ruling Motovun, until it became part of Yugoslavia after the end of World War II in 1945, and after 1991, like most of the Istrian peninsula, it became part of the Republic of Croatia.