|
 add to bookmark
|
you are here: > Motovun
Motovun is an example of an acropolicaly situated Istrian city that has existed from prehistoric times to the present. It is located about twenty kilometers from Pazin, the county seat.
As an entity, Motovun is a firs-class architectural landmark. Within the historical nucleus, many individual architectural works of great value have been preserved. The belt of town fortifications on the hilltop is one of the rare fortification entities that have been preserved throughout the entire length. Within the bulwarks is a communal palace, a monumental Romanesque house in which the base formed the passageway of the interior municipal gates. The palace was built in the 12th century and enlarged during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The new gates are located on the outer square. They were built in the first half of the 16th century, as was a tower with Renaissance characteristics. On the opposite side fo the same square is a Renaissance-baroque loggia, one of the characteristics of communal life. The central square of Motovun is dominated by the parish church of St. Stephen, built at the beginning of the 17th century, beside which rises a 13th century mediieval belfry. The belfry was built when the original church was constructed of this site, and in the past has also served as a defensive tower. The church inventory is of enivable artistic value.
The narrow streets of Motovun preserve the medieval character of the city. There are three more churches of particular interest - the Madonna of the Servites (Madonna od Servita) 1584., St. John the Baptist and Our Lady of the Gate (sveti Ivan Krstitelj i BDM od Vratiju) 1521, and St. Anthony of Padua (16th century, renovated in 1855). Thirteen archeological localities contribute to a knowledge of the past in Motovun and the environs.
Motovun is famous for his film festival.
The Motovun Film Festival is dedicated in its entirety to films made within small film industries and independent productions, films that, competing with expensive blockbusters, have managed to win attention owing to their originality, ideas and energy. In every sense - except in its ambition and quality - Motovun wants to be a small festival, showing small films - 'small' in the most heartening sense of the word.
The Motovun Film Festival is primarly an international festival. As such, it is mostly focused on foreign films. Nevertheless, it was conceived to fit Croatian standards and needs. The Festival hopes to become a focal point where local film-makers will re-establish contacts with their foreign collegues, a meeting point, a place that would serve as breeding-ground of new ideas.
By its contents, the Festival is very informal in nature: there is no protocol, no VIP lounges, no places open to some and restricted for others. Such an approach has created a unique laid-back atmosphere, which has become the Festival's hallmark.
..."Diaries at the ready ...
July - Croatia: movies in Motovun
Relax in cobbled squares and watch the films projected on to the walls of this sumptuous 15th-century Croatian hill town (think Cinema Paradiso). Now in its ninth year, the festival (motovunfilmfestival.com) is a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance, attracting 50,000 visitors each year. After a few days watching films, you can hit the Istrian beaches 12 miles away. Ryanair flies Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday to Pula from Stansted. Festivalgoers can camp under the stars, for free, at the Motovun Eco-Camp"...
Guardian Unlimited, Saturday January 6 2007 Compiled by Tim Bryan
Get to Croatia by flying to Venice. Venezia Lines departs daily from Venice to all major resorts in Istria and to Lussino. Venezia Lines also operates out of Rimini and Ravenna. Day trip tickets available to Venice, to make your Istrian holiday even more memorable.
|
|
