Novaki offers two religious buildings with different historical connections and a hiking stage that passes through the town to help you plan your trip. The Parish Church of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac shapes the panorama from the ridge; the Chapel of St. Andrew was first mentioned in 1642 and took on its present-day masonry form in 1851. There is also the fifth stage of the Stepinčev Put, which takes about six hours on foot. This brings together the history of the churches and the town with a specific, longer hiking option.
Parish Church on the Ridge
The Parish Church of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac stands in Novaki on a prominent ridge and shapes the surrounding panorama. The parish was established on September 1, 2001. Stations of the Cross by academic sculptor Petar Ujević were installed at the church in 2010. The location, parish history and artistic attribution of the stations offer different points of reference for learning about this place.
The Chapel of St. Andrew and Its Construction History
The Chapel of St. Andrew is mentioned as early as 1642 in canonical visitation records. The present-day masonry chapel was built in 1851, with late Baroque and Neoclassical features. The dates mark different milestones: 1642 is the earliest mention, while 1851 is the year the present building was constructed. During the restoration in 2012, the surroundings and the Stations of the Cross were also landscaped. The chapel thus complements the view of the parish church with its own, much earlier construction history.
Novaki in Historical Context
The town's earlier history of lordship and administration also helps put it in context. From the 13th to the 16th century, Novaki belonged to the Susedgrad estate. The seat of the local Sučija, a local administrative district, was also located in Novaki. Alongside the churches' historical dates, these details add another historical dimension: during this period, Novaki was also a local administrative seat. The Sučija and the Susedgrad estate help show the town's history beyond the construction history of the two churches.
Hiking the Stepinčev Put
The fifth stage of the Stepinčev Put runs from Sveti Martin pod Okićem via Sveta Nedelja to Podsused and passes through Novaki. The entire stage takes about six hours on foot; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions. This time estimate applies to the entire stage, not just the part that passes through Novaki. Plan for it as a longer block of time for hiking. This is a different time commitment from a stay focused on the churches and history of the town.
More Outdoor Activities in Sveta Nedelja
Family hikes, cycling, fishing, adrenaline adventures and other outdoor activities are available in Sveta Nedelja. Activities and providers may change. These options offer a distinct outdoor focus for your trip planning and should be understood as activities available in Sveta Nedelja.
Hotel Search and Trip Planning
The hiking stage gives you a rough timeframe for planning your day. Then tailor the length of your stay to the activities you actually want to pursue.
Discover more destinations: Kraj Drage, Veli Turini, Santalezi, Rakitje, Martinski, Ružići, Sveta Nedelja, Frančići.
For the broader travel overview: Općina Sveta Nedelja.
