Two beautiful towns of inland Istria, Croatia
People rightly enjoy the superbly formed indented coastline of the Croatian Istrian peninsula. However, Istria’s stunning coastline has an equally as compelling backdrop which comprises of many pretty hilltop towns and villages, which are both picturesque and historical.
All it takes is a short drive in the car or a bus ride and you find yourself in the thick of olive groves and vineyards and ancient towns void tourist makeovers. The contrast between the coast and the countryside is huge in Istria and a visit inland will certainly add variety and intrigue to your time on the heart-shaped peninsula.
Take a look at two of Istria’s most beautiful inland towns.
Motovun
Motovun is a half hour bus ride to the north east of Porec. Motovun is a fine example of medieval Venetian colonialism. The town is built upon a hill and is around 800 feet above sea level. There are towers, walls gates, coats of arms on the buildings, which are propelled to timeless grandeur with Venetian stone lions extolled on the walls.
There are not many perfectly preserved towns from the days when Venice ruled huge swaths of Europe but Motovun is certainly one of them. It is hardly surprising the town is often described as the most beautiful on the peninsula.
Grosnjan
Grosnjan does not possess the amount of Venetian antiquities as Motovun but it certainly has its own appeal. The town was virtually deserted in the mid-sixties but fortunately for the wellbeing of the Grosnjan’s future, artists and later musicians moved in and gradually the town became refurbished to its former glory.
Nowadays there are free concerts held nightly in Grosnjan throughout the summer months. Grosnjan has become a stronghold for the arts and today this old Venetian fortress town is the most important international arts colony in the whole of Istria. The town is a similar distance away from Porec as Motovun but the bus ride still leaves you with a three kilometre walk – though we have to admit, is definitely worth the trouble.