Motovun Architecture
Explore Motovun Architecture: Walls, Churches & More
We spent several days in Motovun researching historic architecture. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these sights as soon as you arrive!
Significantly, Motovun architecture is not the top attraction in town (hint: it’s the truffles). However, Motovun has architecture dating back to the 14th century when it was fortified by the Venetians. Venetian architectural prowess can be seen in the towers and walls that still remain intact today, adding to the town’s allure and historical significance.
The Romanesque Municipal Palace, the largest secular building of that time in Istria, stands proudly in the central square, surrounded by other historic structures. If you’re trying to walk off dinner, the churches hidden away on the cobblestone streets winding through the neighborhoods in Motovun are also worth visiting.
If you’re interested in a walking tour of the best architecture, check out our article, “8 Best Things to See in Motovun.”
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Towers and Walls in Motovun
Motovun Walls
The walls are Motovun’s primary architectural attraction. Not surprisingly, there is a walk around the top of the walls. The views of the Mirna River Valley are spectacular!
When we visited in May 2022, visitors were required to buy a ticket to walk along the walls. You can purchase tickets for €4 per person from the tourist office near the entrance at Trg Andrea Antico 1.
Bell Tower
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Romanesque‑Gothic architecture, topped with a distinctive Ghibelline parapet
- Built: 13th century; later refurbishments include a reconstruction overseen by Podestà Giacomo Zeno, evidenced by his coat of arms on the tower
- Address: Located in Motovun’s main square, rising prominently above the town—a key visual element seen from the surrounding Mirna Valley.
The Romanesque-Gothic bell tower of Motovun was initially constructed as the town’s central observation tower.
It has been refurbished numerous times over the centuries, including its ultimate conversion into a 27-meter-tall bell tower.
The New Gate
aka Twin Gates aka Main Tower Gate
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Early Gothic, integrated into Motovun’s double-walled fortifications with Romanesque and Gothic elements.
- Built: 16th century; renovated 1607
Serves as the entry from the outer ring through the fortified walls into the upper town.
Borgo Gate
aka Inner Town Gate
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Gothic‑inspired inner city gate, connecting the lower Borgo (suburb) with the citadel and upper town
- Built: From the Gothic period in the 14th century
Guards the entrance to the Borgo neighborhood, marked by the Gothic gate which today leads up to the main square.
Churches in Motovun
Church of St. Stephen
- Architect: Andrea Palladio (possibly)
- Built: 1580 to 1614
- Address: Ul. Pietro Kandler 15, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
The church was renovated to its current state at the end of the 18th century. There are stone statues by Francesco Bonazzo from this period. The church also houses a painting of the Last Supper attributed to Stephano Celestio. Additionally, the church ceiling is adorned with paintings by the Venetian Baroque painter Guiseppe Bernardino Bisson.
Church of St. Anthony of Padua
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Medieval church—initially dedicated to St. Cyprian (noted as early as 1454); reconstructed in the mid-19th century, likely retaining Gothic elements.
- Built: Originally 15th century; substantially reconstructed in the mid-1800s.
- Address: Located in the Borgo (suburban) area, near the barbican and gates.
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is located in the Borgo neighborhood.
Church of St. John the Baptist
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Renaissance
- Built: Erected in 1521 replacing a pre-existing church; a 15-meter bell tower was added in 1898.
- Address: Kaldir 14, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
The bell tower was added in 1898.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Neighborhoods in Motovun
Borgo
aka Lower Town
Borgo is the lower suburb of Motovun, developed in the 14th century and later enclosed within the town walls by the 17th century.
It features a continuous row of residential buildings lining a gently sloping street descending from the upper citadel. The Gothic “Gate of the Castle” marks the entry from Borgo to the fortified center.
Gradiziol
The Gradiziol neighborhood developed in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Other Attractions in Motovun
Polesini Palace
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Late Renaissance/Road to Classicism; present appearance altered from original Renaissance form.
- Built: 18th century.
- Address: Trg Andrea Antico 7, 52424 Motovun, Croatia.
Today, the palace is home to Hotel Kastel.
Loggia
Lobia Maior
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Renaissance loggia
- Built: 1331 (original); reconstructed 17th century.
- Address: Lower square (Josef Ressel Square), adjacent to town’s walls.
Municipal Palace
aka Podestà Palace
- Architect: Unknown
- Style: Romanesque
- Built: 13th century; retains original Romanesque mullioned window details despite later modifications.
- Address: Anticov trg 1, 52424, Motovun, Croatia
Motovun’s municipal palace is the largest secular building in Istria from the Renaissance period.
Veli Jože art
There are several pieces of art in installations throughout Motovun celebrating Veli Jože, the beloved gentle giant from Istrian folklore penned by Vladimir Nazor—a symbol of the town.
Best Places To Stay In Motovun
Hotels in Motovun
For the best experience, we recommend staying in the Old Town of Motovun. The castle marker on the map below is the center of the Old Town.
Hotel Kastel is a three-star boutique hotel located at the top of the Old Town. It offers an indoor pool and spa, making it an ideal place to stay for those who want to relax and rejuvenate. Besides Hotel Kastel, plenty of private apartments and villas are available for rent in the area. Restaurant Hotel Kastel serves honest and tasty food with a lovely terrace under the big trees.
Here’s an interactive map with accommodation options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Motovun Architecture
Is Motovun Worth a Visit?
Motovun is worth visiting if you’re interested in walled hill towns! One of the most important monuments of Motovun is the historical wall of the fortress, which today is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Istria. No less than two rings of walls surround the historical center of the town.
Visitors can explore the city gate and other historic buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Staying in the old town of Motovun is recommended for the best experience, with hotels offering easy access to the town’s many cultural attractions.
If you want a more detailed discussion, check out “Is Motovun Worth Visiting?” We analyze a long list of factors to help you make a decision.
Why visit Motovun?
There are many reasons to visit Motovun, including its stunning hilltop location and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The town is also known for its rich history, with ancient walls and fortifications that date back to the Roman era. Visitors can explore the narrow cobblestone streets and alleys, visit historic churches and landmarks, and enjoy delicious local cuisine and wine.
Motovun is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, cycling routes, and other activities available in the nearby forests and hills.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure, Motovun has something for everyone.
What is Motovun known for?
Motovun is a small town located in the Istria region of Croatia. It is known for its picturesque setting atop a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and its rich history and cultural heritage.
Motovun is also known for its truffles, which are highly prized by chefs and food lovers around the world. The town hosts an annual Truffle Festival, celebrating this local specialty with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and other events.
Motovun is famous for hosting an annual film festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Additionally, Motovun is home to several historic landmarks and cultural attractions, including a well-preserved medieval city wall, a 13th-century Romanesque church, and a museum dedicated to the town’s history and traditions.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or gastronomy, Motovun has something to offer visitors of all interests.
When was Motovun built?
Motovun grew on the site of an ancient city called Castellieri. Today, it is a well-preserved medieval town with city walls that date back to the 12th century.
What Region is Motovun in?
Motovun is located in Istria County in the Central Istria region of Croatia.
Was Motovun part of Italy?
The town of Motovun has a complex history that includes periods of Venetian rule and Austrian rule, as well as periods of being part of Yugoslavia and modern-day Croatia. During World War II, it was briefly occupied by Italy but then returned to Yugoslavian control. Today, Motovun is part of Croatia and a popular tourist destination known for its medieval architecture and stunning views.
How To Get to Motovun?
To get to Motovun, you can fly to Trieste Airport, Pula Airport, or Zagreb Airport, all of which have international connections. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Motovun. Motovun is located just a 1 hr 15 min drive south of Trieste, Italy. The drive from Pula takes about an hour, while the drive from Zagreb takes about three hours.
As Motovun is a small town, there are no parking lots near the town center, but there are parking options available on the west and east sides of the town. The main parking lot is located below Motovun along the main road up, which is 1/2 a mile away from the entrance to the old part of the town. Visitors can park their vehicles in these designated parking areas and explore the town on foot.
Motovun is a popular day-trip destination from the seaside Istrian towns of Rovinj, Pula, or Porec. There are also organized tours and transportation services that can take you to Motovun from various other locations in Croatia.
If going with a group is not your thing, or you plan to stay overnight in Motovun, renting a car or taking a private transfer are great options. We took private transfers all over Istria and had excellent experiences. For private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of international and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
If you are staying in Rovinj, Pula, Porec, or Rijeka, and would like to take a day trip to Motovun, book a highly-rated day trip below!