June 6, 2017
First Saturday of July was reserved for the ceremony of cutting the cord of the newly opened Culture and Education center „Kaštel“ and presenting the main project of the center called „Motovun: history in motion“.
This projects enables all those interested in the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Motovun city to explore the lives and ways of our ancestors on several levels, starting from the variety of animal and plant life of the Motovun forest, through the old rural Parenzana railway and all the way to the modern Motovun film festival nowadays.
Digging deeper into the „history in motion“ we discover that Motovun is connected with former NASCAR and Formula 1 driver Mario Andretti and noble family of Polesini, owners of the palace Kaštel. Their history is deeply connected with Motovun, a city that often served as a safe and private place for many artists and famous persons who found inspiration right on this spot. One of them was certainly artist Josip Šušteršić, sculptor that made the statue of Veli Jože – legendary good giant who became a symbol of the city throughout the years, as well as the writer Vladimir Nazor who made this small city famous in the first place, with his “Veli Jože” novel.
This „living“ history of Motovun is further emphasized by the traditional cuisine which is presented through various workshops for children and tourists, locals and tourists, individually or as a group. The whole process of making the traditional Istrian pasta starts by grinding corn on an old water-mill that used to be on the Mirna river, so that we could later on make homemade pasta with the flour we made with our own hands and get firsthand experience of how the nearby villagers used to make their flour, bread and pasta.
The grand opening of the Culture and Education center „Kaštel“ was attended by many esteemed guests including the mayor of Motovun Tomislav Pahović who praised the initiative and concluded that it will certainly be a great addition to the tourist attractions of the city. Iva Jeletić Prodan, representative of the Motovun tourist association, also welcomed this project claiming that it will definitely attract even more visitors to Motovun. In the end, Nada Prodan Mraković congratulated everyone who supported and worked hard to make this project happen and declared Culture and Education center Kaštel opened.
The ceremony was accompanied by music and traditional Istrian dance performed by children from the 4th grade of Poreč elementary school, giving the whole event that authentic Istrian notion.
Credits for the idea and realization of this amazing project goes to the manager of the Hotel, initiator and coordinator of the project Igor Legović, Ivan Hrastovčak, expert associate and historian who provided historical depth and perspective, and Enrika Vežnaver Vidović, also professional associate and graphics designer who provided the visual identity of this center of culture and education.
Culture and Education center Kaštel is also the first private culture and education center in this area, a project that was carefully planned and built by the owners and managers of the Hotel Kaštel, Igor Legović and Erika Erik Legović.
Visit Culture and Education center Kaštel and experience all the beauties of this interactive project that tells you a story of culture and history of the Motovun city and the surrounding area.
+385 (0)52 681 607
info@hotel-kastel-motovun.hr
Book your stay