Motovun is a medieval town in western Istria, situated on the top of a cone-shaped hill 277 meters above sea level, in the romantic and natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley.  It is the one of the most beautiful medieval town in Istria, with houses scattered all over the hill. The town grew around a core settlement surrounded by well-fortified walls.
Motovun exists with this name from more than two thousand years. His name is of Celtic origin, and originates from the word Montona, which means the town on the hill.

Motovun was made by three parts of town. At the very top is the oldest part, below him is "Podgrade," and later a part of "Gradiciol" descends a series of slope. The town has been preserved to this day with medieval appearance.

Motovun defense was consisted of two circles of walls. Inner ring around the oldest part of the town dates from the 13th and 14 century and there is inside town gate. Around Podgrada was a second ring of the city walls, which are accessed through main the town gate from the 15th century. Between the two town gates is located the city square. On the square is a beautiful viewpoint on the countryside.
On the central square of Motovun is church of St. Stephen, built in 1614 on the premises of the older church. Next to the church is bell tower from the 13th century. Opposite the church is the Communal Palace, built in the 12th century, and in the 16th and 17 century, enlarged and reconstructed. Below the square is a large cistern which provided water to town.

Tourism and agriculture are main sources of revenue of the town. The River Mirna flows below the hill and on the other side of the river there is the famous Motovun forest, rich with black and white truffles. Motovun is famous for its wine the Motovunski Teran and Malvasia and the world-famous white and black truffles.
Within its medieval walls, Motovun hosts an annual film festival (www.motovunfilmfestival.com) dedicated to smaller and independent productions. Its informal character, numerous events, and high-quality films made it an event visited by many.

Municipality of Motovun is situated in the north part of Istria County near the town of Buzet and Pazin. It is located about 20 km. from the Adriatic Sea.