Motovun is a village and municipality located in the central Istria region of western Croatia. The site has historical significance dating back to ancient times, when both Celts and Illyrians constructed fortresses at its location. The name of the village is derived from the Celtic term Montona, which translates to "a town in the hills."
Historically, the area was served by the Parenzana, a narrow-gauge railroad that operated between Trieste and Poreč from 1902 until 1935. The railway line passed directly below the town during its period of operation.