Castle Dreams, Roman Ruins and Seaside Splendor

The morning view from the castle-topped hill village of Motovun is of blue sky overhead and clouds hanging low in the valley over the grapevines. It's a short walk down the cobblestone street from our Kastel Hotel to meet our bus. It is a miracle how driver Sayad can turn it around in such a tight space. 

We stopped at the bottom for a group photo with an amazing background view of Motovun surrounded by grapevines and a bit of those low clouds.

Kastel Hotel

Shop next to the hotel. The cobblestones were rugged.

Arched doorway over the beginning of the downhill walk.

A charming doorway.

Another arch in the ramparts wall over the downhill walk.

Exploring the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia took us to the city of Pula where we had an historical tour of some of the many Roman ruins by local guide, Mariam.

The Pula Arena is one of the six largest and best preserved in the world (after the Rome Colosseum). It was built around AD 1st century. 

The amphitheatre is actively in use. It was being set up for a wrestling match.

Mariam showed us a unique bronze panorama map of Pula that was also a fountain.

The Piazza Foro, established by the Romans for public debate, has the well-preserved Temple Augustus (left) built around the AD 1st century. The Communal Palace (right) has been used for city government offices since the 9th century.

The Arch of Sergii honors three battle-victorious members of the Sergii family. It was constructed approximately 29-27 BC.

After a couple of hours for exploring Pula, the bus headed to Rovinj, which proved to be a cute little seaside town for wandering about. The day was beautiful and hot!

We walked around half of the perimeter of the old town, which used to be an island. There were lovely views of the gorgeous water and our hearts yearned to be in it. 

There wasn't enough time for a dip, so we sat in the shade and drank a cool spritz instead.

One can't pass by such a lovely market display without taking a photo!

The way back to Hotel Kastel is preceded by a generous dinner of local Istrian specialties at the tucked-away taverna, Restaurant Brtonigla.

The meal begins with a scallop cooked over a real fire burning inside the taverna, which contributed to the heat inside! There is mushroom or beef goulash pasta, salad, veal medallions with potatoes and dzuvec rice, and strudel for dessert. We're stuffed for sure!