Martjanci combines a striking cultural landmark with opportunities for cycling and hiking. At its heart is St. Martin’s Church, with frescoes by Janez Aquila; outdoors, the Po bregaj cycling route, the Martjanska pot and the restored pond area offer different reasons to visit. This makes it possible to plan your trip around your own interests: church art and architectural history sit alongside exercise on named routes and a pond area with landscaped paths. A visit to the church must be arranged in advance; check the specific routes before setting out.
St. Martin’s Church and its art
St. Martin’s Church in Martjanci is considered an exceptional monument of national importance; its frescoes give the church significance beyond the region. Inside are frescoes by Janez Aquila depicting episodes from the life of St. Martin. A Latin inscription on the church states that it was built in 1392 in honor of saints whose relics are kept there. The marble high altar adds a later date to this picture: it was made in 1925 to a design by architect Jože Plečnik. During a visit, you can view the religious imagery, the inscription about the church’s construction and a 20th-century work side by side.
A visit to St. Martin’s Church can be arranged with the parish office in Martjanci. Contact the parish office beforehand to arrange your visit.
Cycling the Po bregaj route
The Po bregaj circular cycling route is 16 kilometers long and runs entirely on paved roads. It passes through Moravske Toplice, Martjanci, Sebeborci, Andrejci and Zgornji Moravci before returning to Moravske Toplice. The route is signposted along the way and is suitable for recreational cyclists. Its length, surface and circular layout provide a clear basis for planning. Check the signs and local route conditions before setting off, as published route information may be revised.
Hiking and the pond area
The Martjanska pot runs partly along the Pomurska planinska pot, the European long-distance path E7 and the Martinova pot. This applies to sections of the route; the Martjanska pot should not be confused with the full course of these three paths. If you choose this route, check its current course before setting out.
Paths have been laid out around the water at the pond in Martjanci, along with two piers and two bridges. The restored pond area covers approximately 0.56 hectares. While Po bregaj is described as a circular cycling route and the Martjanska pot runs partly along other paths, the focus at the pond is on the landscaped paths and structures directly beside the water. This makes the pond area a distinct point of interest alongside the named routes.
Hiking and local specialties
The Martinov pohod is a traditional annual hike that attracts many hikers from near and far. Tastings of local specialties are part of the route, which concludes with a traditional blessing of the must. If you would like to include the Martinov pohod in your travel plans, check the event dates for the relevant year in advance. This lets you treat the hike as a separate event and plan your other sightseeing priorities independently.
Discover more destinations: Križevci, Rogašovci, Moravske-Toplice, Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Hodoš, Beltinci, Šalovci
Return to the main travel overview: Murska Sobota.
