June 2016: Hill top towns of Istria

 

 

Groznjan

 

Motovun

In 1278 it was taken over by Venice and surrounded by solid walls which are still intact today, and used as a walkway with unique views over the four corners of Istria. The towers and city gates containing elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles, and collectively are a typical example of Venetian colonial architecture.

Below the hill is the famous Motovun forest, an area of about 10 square kilometres in the valley of the river Mirna, of which 280 hectares is specially protected. This area differs completely from the nearby forests, and is home to the rich and prized-black-and-white truffles. Since this fungus grows underground, it is gathered with the aid of specially trained dogs.