Montona - Motovun

Highlights

• Natural Beauty
• Relaxation and inspiration
• Tranquillity

In the northern part of Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley, lies surely the most famous and attractive medieval town of Montona-Motovun. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Quatro Terre interior.

The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower with a crenulated crown from the 13th century, standing next to the Parish Church of St. Stephen from the 17th century, dominates the town's historic core. In the central square is the Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building in Istria of that period surrounded by many other historic buildings.

Old town is the perfect venue for a large number of events, the most significant among them being the International Film Festival that takes place at the end of July where world-known film artists may be seen. Montona is also interesting for ballooning lovers, its favourable microclimate enables flying in balloons all year round, so that it hosts several ballooning events.

Montona Forest which stretches along the Mirna River valley is especially rich in truffles, the underground malodorous fungus believed to be an aphrodisiac. Istrian white truffles, whose season lasts from September to December are said to be as good as the finest Italian and French truffles.

Montona is surrounded by vineyards from which the finest Quatro Terre wines, white wine Malvasia and red wine Teran, are produced. The entire area is dotted with excellent local ‘konobe’ and restaurants.