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Motovun Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Motovun: History, Geography, and Culture

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Motovun: History, Geography, and Culture Study Guide

Geographic Setting and Identification

Motovun is exclusively known by its Croatian name.

Answer: False

Explanation: The town is known not only by its Croatian name, Motovun, but also by its Italian name, Montona, and the variant Montona d'Istria, indicating it is not exclusively identified by its Croatian appellation.

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Motovun is classified solely as a village.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun is classified not only as a village but also functions as a municipality, therefore it is not solely classified as a village.

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Motovun is located in the southern part of Croatia, within the Istrian peninsula.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun is located in central Istria, which is in the western part of Croatia, not the southern part.

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The name Motovun originates from the Latin word 'Mons', meaning 'mountain'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The etymology of Motovun traces back to the Celtic word 'Montona,' signifying a town situated in the hills, rather than originating from the Latin word 'Mons'.

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Motovun is a modern town built entirely on a hilltop plateau.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun is a medieval town that evolved from an ancient settlement, rather than being a modern town built entirely on a hilltop plateau.

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What are the alternative names for Motovun mentioned in the source?

Answer: Montona and Montona d'Istria

Explanation: The town is known by its Croatian name, Motovun, and also by its Italian name, Montona. It may also be referred to as Montona d'Istria.

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What is the etymological origin and meaning of the name Motovun?

Answer: Celtic origin, meaning 'town located in the hills'

Explanation: The name Motovun has Celtic origins, stemming from the word Montona, which signifies a town located in the hills.

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Motovun's physical setting is best described as:

Answer: A medieval town perched on a hill, evolved from an ancient settlement

Explanation: Motovun is a medieval town that evolved from an ancient settlement known as Castellieri. It is perched on a hill approximately 270 meters (886 feet) above sea level, with its houses spread across the hillside.

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What is the elevation of Motovun above sea level?

Answer: Approximately 277 meters (909 feet)

Explanation: Motovun is situated at an elevation of 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level.

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Historical Evolution

The Celts were the only ancient people known to have established fortresses at the site of Motovun.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate that both the Celts and the Illyrians established fortresses at the site of Motovun, meaning the Celts were not the sole ancient inhabitants to do so.

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The Parenzana railroad, which passed below Motovun, operated from 1910 to 1940.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Parenzana railroad operated from 1902 to 1935, not between 1910 and 1940 as stated.

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During the 10th and 11th centuries, Motovun was under the authority of the bishop of Pula.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 10th and 11th centuries, Motovun fell under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Poreč, not the bishop of Pula.

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Venice gained control of Motovun in 1278, leading to the construction of its current defensive walls.

Answer: True

Explanation: Venice acquired control of Motovun in 1278, initiating the construction of its substantial defensive walls that are still extant today.

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Which ancient peoples are noted for establishing fortresses at the location of present-day Motovun?

Answer: Celts and Illyrians

Explanation: Historical records indicate that both the Celts and the Illyrians established fortresses at the site of Motovun.

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The Parenzana, a historical narrow-gauge railroad, connected which two cities and passed below Motovun?

Answer: Trieste and Poreč

Explanation: The Parenzana, a narrow-gauge railroad that connected Trieste to Poreč, passed below Motovun.

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During the 10th and 11th centuries, Motovun fell under the jurisdiction of which ecclesiastical authority?

Answer: The Bishop of Poreč

Explanation: During the 10th and 11th centuries, Motovun was under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Poreč.

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Architectural Heritage

The inner walls of Motovun display coats-of-arms and artifacts from the medieval period only.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inner walls of Motovun display coats-of-arms and artifacts, including gravestones from Roman inhabitants dating to the 1st century, indicating they are not exclusively from the medieval period.

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Motovun's fortifications primarily showcase Baroque architectural elements.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun's fortifications primarily exhibit Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, not Baroque elements.

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Motovun is considered a prime example of French colonial architecture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun is regarded as a prime example of Venetian colonial architecture, not French colonial architecture.

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The Parish Church of St. Stephen was constructed in the late 16th century, based on designs by Michelangelo.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Parish Church of St. Stephen was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, with its design attributed to Andrea Palladio, not Michelangelo.

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The Parish Church of St. Stephen houses marble statues by Michelangelo and a 17th-century painting of the Annunciation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Parish Church of St. Stephen was constructed in the early 17th century and its design is attributed to Andrea Palladio. The provided information does not mention the presence of marble statues by Michelangelo or a 17th-century painting of the Annunciation within the church.

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The water cisterns in front of the church date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The water cisterns in front of the church date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, not the 17th and 18th centuries.

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Which historical artifacts, dating back to the 1st century, can be found on the inner walls of Motovun?

Answer: Gravestones from Roman inhabitants

Explanation: The inner walls of Motovun feature several coats-of-arms belonging to various ruling families of the town, as well as two gravestones from Roman inhabitants dating back to the 1st century.

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Following Venice's acquisition of Motovun in 1278, what significant defensive structures were erected?

Answer: Substantial walls that remain intact today

Explanation: Venice took control of Motovun in 1278. Following this, the town was fortified with substantial walls that remain intact today and now serve as a scenic walkway.

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Motovun's fortifications, including towers and gates, exhibit architectural influences from which periods?

Answer: Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance

Explanation: Motovun's fortifications, including its towers and city gates, exhibit elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, reflecting different periods of construction and influence.

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The Parish Church of St. Stephen, built in the early 17th century, is believed to be designed based on sketches by which famous architect?

Answer: Andrea Palladio

Explanation: The late-Renaissance Parish Church of St. Stephen was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Its design is believed to be based on sketches by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.

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The water cisterns located in front of the church are historically significant for dating back to which centuries?

Answer: 14th and 15th centuries

Explanation: The water cisterns situated in the square before the church date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, indicating historical water management infrastructure.

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Natural Environment and Agriculture

The Mirna River flows through the Motovun forest, which is known for its oak trees.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mirna River flows below Motovun and across from the forest, rather than through it. While the forest is known for its oak trees, the river's course does not traverse the forest itself.

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The Motovun forest is ecologically distinct primarily due to its high altitude and sparse vegetation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Motovun forest's ecological distinction stems from its distinct wildlife, moist soil, and truffle cultivation, not from high altitude and sparse vegetation.

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Truffles found in the Motovun forest are harvested using trained pigs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Truffles in the Motovun forest are harvested using specially trained dogs, not trained pigs.

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The predominant tree species in the Motovun forest is the beech tree.

Answer: False

Explanation: The predominant tree species in the Motovun forest is the English or brown oak (Quercus robur), not the beech tree.

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The management of the Mirna River involves intentionally flooding the Motovun forest periodically to maintain its specific ecological conditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The management strategy for the protected Motovun forest area includes intentional periodic flooding to preserve its specific ecological conditions, as facilitated by the controlled Mirna River.

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The slopes surrounding Motovun are primarily used for cultivating grapes for the production of Chardonnay and Merlot wines.

Answer: False

Explanation: The slopes surrounding Motovun are cultivated for Teran and Malvazija grape varieties, which are used for Istrian wines, not for Chardonnay and Merlot.

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What is the ecological significance of the Motovun forest?

Answer: It is known for its unique wildlife and cultivation of prized truffles

Explanation: The Motovun forest is unique due to its distinct wildlife, moist soil conditions, and the successful cultivation of prized black and white truffles (Tuber magnatum), setting it apart from surrounding forests and the broader karst region.

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How are the valuable truffles found in the Motovun forest typically harvested?

Answer: By employing specially trained dogs to locate them

Explanation: Because truffles grow underground, their harvesting relies on specially trained dogs that can locate them.

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What is the predominant tree species found in the Motovun forest?

Answer: English or brown oak (Quercus robur)

Explanation: The most common tree in the Motovun forest is the English or brown oak, scientifically known as Quercus robur.

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Which grape varieties are cultivated on the slopes around Motovun for local wine production?

Answer: Teran and Malvazija

Explanation: The slopes around Motovun are used for growing grapes for Istrian wines, specifically the Teran and Malvazija varieties.

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Cultural Significance and Folklore

Motovun is famously known as the city of the mythical dragon, Kazimir.

Answer: False

Explanation: Motovun is famously associated with the local folklore character Veli Jože, a gentle giant, not with a mythical dragon named Kazimir.

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Vladimir Nazor wrote the story of Veli Jože to celebrate the region's prosperity in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vladimir Nazor wrote the story of Veli Jože as a response to the national struggles of Croats seeking equality, not to celebrate regional prosperity.

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The tale of Veli Jože is only recognized within the Motovun region and is not widely known in Croatia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tale of Veli Jože is well-known throughout Croatia and is strongly associated with Motovun, contrary to the assertion that it is only recognized regionally.

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The Motovun Film Festival, established in 1999, focuses exclusively on documentary films.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Motovun Film Festival focuses on independent and avant-garde films from the United States and Europe, not exclusively on documentary films.

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The ground plan of Motovun was featured on the front side of the Croatian 100 kuna banknote.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ground plan of Motovun was featured on the reverse side of the Croatian 10 kuna banknote, not the front side of the 100 kuna banknote.

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Motovun is famously associated with which local folklore character?

Answer: The giant Veli Jože

Explanation: Motovun is widely recognized as the city of Veli Jože, a character representing a good and gentle giant from local folklore.

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Vladimir Nazor wrote the story of Veli Jože primarily as a response to what historical situation?

Answer: The national struggles of Croats seeking equality

Explanation: The story of Veli Jože was written by Vladimir Nazor, a significant Croatian writer of the 20th century. It was created as a response to the national struggles of Croats seeking equality with the dominant ethnic German and Italian populations between 1900 and 1914.

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The Motovun Film Festival, held annually since 1999, is known for showcasing:

Answer: Independent and avant-garde films from the US and Europe

Explanation: Since 1999, Motovun has been the venue for the international Motovun Film Festival, which focuses on independent and avant-garde films from the United States and Europe.

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The ground plan of Motovun was featured on which denomination of the Croatian banknote?

Answer: 10 kuna

Explanation: The ground plan of Motovun was depicted on the reverse side of the Croatian 10 kuna banknote, not the front side of the 100 kuna banknote.

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The American film *Speak No Evil* was filmed in Motovun, where it served as a stand-in location for which country?

Answer: Italy

Explanation: The American film *Speak No Evil* was filmed in Motovun, where it served as the setting for Tuscany, Italy.

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Demographics and Notable Personalities

The Motovun municipality's total population exceeded 1,000 residents according to the 2021 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the 2021 census, the Motovun municipality's total population was 912 residents, which does not exceed 1,000.

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In 2001, a significant portion of the Motovun municipality's residents identified German as their mother tongue.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2001 census, 192 residents identified Italian as their mother tongue; there is no mention of German being a significant mother tongue.

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The Andretti brothers, Mario and Aldo, emigrated from Motovun after World War II due to political instability.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Andretti brothers' family emigrated from Motovun after World War II due to Istria becoming part of Yugoslavia and their Italian ethnicity, which constituted a form of political instability for them.

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According to the 2021 census, what was the approximate population of the Motovun municipality?

Answer: Approximately 912 residents

Explanation: According to the 2021 census, the Motovun municipality had a total population of 912 residents, which does not exceed 1,000.

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In the 2001 census, how many residents of the Motovun municipality reported Italian as their mother tongue?

Answer: 192

Explanation: In the 2001 census, 192 residents within the Motovun municipality spoke Italian as their mother tongue; there is no mention of German being a significant mother tongue.

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What is the status of bilingualism (Croatian and Italian) in Motovun according to the source?

Answer: Recognized and established by the municipality's own statute

Explanation: While the Croatian government does not officially guarantee bilingualism in Motovun, the municipality's own statute does recognize and establish it.

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The famous racing brothers Mario and Aldo Andretti were born in Motovun in 1940. What prompted their family's emigration?

Answer: Istria becoming part of Yugoslavia after WWII, and their Italian ethnicity

Explanation: The Andretti brothers' family emigrated from Motovun after World War II due to Istria becoming part of Yugoslavia and their Italian ethnicity, which constituted a form of political instability for them.

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Who was Andrea Antico, born in Motovun in 1495, and what was his key invention?

Answer: A music printer; invented movable wooden types for music scores

Explanation: Andrea Antico, born in Motovun in 1495, was a significant Renaissance Italian music printer. He is recognized as the inventor of the first movable wooden types specifically designed for printing musical scores.

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