Roaming the Hill Towns of Istria

woke up this morning to overcast skies and a forcast for thunder storms and lightning.  We decided to go ahead with our planned trip to visit several of the small hill towns of the Istrian interior, the weather be damned. It was a wonderful day as we got off the main and secondary highways and onto some twisting and narrow one track roads to find these little gems.  It reminded Rita and I of our driving in Cornwall except this time we were on the right side of the road.  We explored four of these quaint and ancient towns before heading back to Rovinj. The rain held off and we actually had bits of sunshine throughout the day but as we returned to Rovinj the predicted lightning and thunder storms arrived.  Hopefully, it will pass and we will have hot and sunny weather again tomorrow.

The first hill town we visited was called Buje and it sits atop a 222 meter hill that overlooks grape and olive fields.  The medieval town has been around since Roman times but four centuries of Venetian rule starting in 1412 left the most prominant mark on the towns layout.  

Making our way into the town of Buje

 A loney wild cat sits on the street looking up at the 50 meter St. Servulus Bell Tower

Groznjn was the next charming little town we visited and it really had that medieval feel as we walked the narrow streets looking at the quaint stone buildings, many filled with artisean galleries. 

 One of the many narrow and crowded streets

A quaint square with its original cobble stone lanes and stone buildings


Hum was developed in the 11th century and is now famously known as the "smallest town in the world" as it has just 16 residents, a town hall, church, school and post office within its two streets and three rows of houses. The town is more disheveled and has a more rustic feel than the other hill towns we visited but it still was interesting to tour around its cobbled streets.

 Heading towards the medieval gate and the entrance to Hum

The 11th century entrance way, Church of Assumption with its 22 meter bell tower. 

Motovun, was the largest and most impressive hill town we visited.  We walked the town wall and enjoyed the spectacular views of the valley and forest below.  The Romans built a castle here in the 2nd century and it grew steadily, especially through Venentian rule (13th to 18th centuries).  

 Motovun is dramatically situated high above the valley of the Mirna River and a truffle-filled forest.

 The 15th century gate and the external town square before you enter the inner gate

 Main square with the 16th century Church of St. Stephen and the 13th century bell tower

Enjoying the spectacular views with a cappucino and a Motovan specialty, crepes with jam