groznjan hilltop village of artists, istria, croatia

mousey10

Well worth driving up the dirt track from Motovun. The views are beautiful. A quiet, traffic free haven in a beautiful setting. Lovely shops and the opportunity to buy truffles and wine.

DanK984

I walk the cobblestone streets why is it so quiet where are the tour buses disgorging their hustling passengers like in so many other small towns across Europe? I pass a few other tourists, they like me are smiling and taking in the beauty and the quiet of this quaint almost forgotten Istrian medieval town. There are many broken buildings in various stages of repair and a few struggling businesses and parts of the walls and gates of this circular hill town have been preserved as the town is slowly emerging as a town for artists and musicians. There are a few Renaissance churches-St. Mary and Vitus, and a few open shops, but the beauty is in the view, the architecture of the buildings and the return to another time.

Stephanie737

We have never before visited a town that we considered so beautiful, peaceful and with such amazing energy. It is a fairy tale type of town in terms of its beauty. We spent a couple of wonderful hours in Groznjan and then went on to Motovun. After lunching in Motovun, we had planned to visit Hum but my heart already longed to return to Groznjan so we did! It is a beautiful little hilltop village located in the wine country of Istria. Do not miss it!!! It is extremely quiant, scenic and a splendor for the senses. We will be returning!

820joelm

We didn't know about Groznjan before we left on our trip. A staff person at a cafe in Motovun told us about it. It's another hilltop town along the lines of Motovun, but less crowded. Still it's very quaint and scenic. We happened to be there at sunset, and the view over the valley as the sun sets is remarkable. We talked to one of the shop owners and found that less than 20 people live there full time. The rest of the people work there - have galleries, that kind of thing - and live somewhere else. It's a little out of the way, but it's well worth a day trip.

JeanBryden

Spent a lovely morning in this hilltop village, wandering around the streets with beautiful views across the valley. Spoilt for choice with restaurants and coffee shops but not over commercialised

stripertp

I'm sure I have visited dozens of medieval hilltop towns in my time and Groznjan is the finest by a wide margin. It's not large, but it's stunningly beautiful. Picturesque in a fairy tale sort of way, but completely genuine. I can't comment on the art or the artists because I spent my time walking around mesmerized by the beauty of the place. There are no cars inside the town btw.

andrew2458

good to walk the old streets and see the interesting shops and sights. Roads up are interesting- some very easy others a bit twisty and on unmade roads! superb views over the valley below

danielr843

If you are spending your holiday in Istria you should visit this amazing village. Old stone streets, beautiful medieval stone houses, a lot of artist galleries... an unique atmosphere, veey charming and romantic.

136dusank

If you anyway travel on Adriatic Coast from Slovenia to Croatia you must visit this beautifull village named Groznjan. There are so many romantic places to see. From village is beautifull view on all Istria. It's really beautifull by day on the night it is so romantic small town with stone houses and streets.

Romykins

Cutest, most romantic town I've ever been to. And the art being sold here is actually art made by real Croatians, not Chinese knock-offs like in so many other places. If you don't have much time in Istria and have to decide on only one hilltop town to visit, make it Groznjan! If you have time for two, Motovun is a good choice, but make sure you go to Motovun first - because Groznjan will spoil you for anything else you see after.

Lizlorrib

A must do visit in istria. Excellent art/craft shops, limited food / restaurants . Unreal views, v Italian style architecture

DraganK106

Nice, cute village which you must visit if you are in Istria. You can visit it by day, but by night it's more interesting with many interesting events.

caroll835

Lovely day outing to hilltop village. Lovely coffee shops. Excellent art work displayed in artists own homes.

298lizm

One of the most unique town I have ever been too. Such a quaint and unique atmosphere. The shopping for unique, artistic and had crafted products was to die for. Not to mention the music to be heard from the music school and the lovely little cafe's and restaurants.

LianaNY

We, our kids and our parents loved this town. It is very clean, pretty and artistic like some other similar towns in the South of France or Italy for example. It had a nice antique market, many interesting galleries and every corner, window, door, staircase of abuilding look very beautiful. You can leisurely stroll around and enjoy the views everywhere.