Hreljići: Pilgrimage, Church and Routes

Hreljići combines a distinct historical focus with two different routes: the Church of Our Lady of Health shapes the pilgrimage tradition, while the Camino South Istria offers a walking stage and Route 341 Flanatica a cycling circuit. If you are looking for a hotel in Hreljići, these themes can help you decide whether to focus your stay mainly on church history, the pilgrimage route, or cycling.

Church and History in Hreljići

The Church of Our Lady of Health was built in 1726 and completed within two years. Renovations followed in 1764 and again in 1980. The interior includes a nave, a small chapel, and a sacristy, as well as three marble altars, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, and a rosary dating from 1736. A cemetery next to the church was established in 1752.

The wider history of the area also stretches far back. Hreljići has archaeological traces of prehistoric hillforts, Roman country villas, and the Middle Ages. These remains from different periods complement the history of the church with other historical eras. They provide a broad framework for the local past without requiring any single period to take center stage.

Pilgrimage and Traditional Music

The church is a Marian pilgrimage site in southern Istria. Every year on the second Sunday in October, a procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Health takes place around the church. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check that year’s program before traveling.

The 2026 program also includes a concert of traditional Istrian music in front of the church, featuring local singers and musicians. For specific planning, check the latest dates and venue: programs can change, and the concert venue may occasionally be changed.

Walking the Camino South Istria

The seventh stage of the Camino South Istria passes through green surroundings on its way toward Hreljići. The church is designated as a suitable place for a short break on the stage. After the stop, the route continues along the state road to Manjadvorci. The route description therefore offers clear guidance for the stage: a resting point at the church, followed by a road section to the next named place. Before setting out, check the current trail conditions and safety of walking along the road.

Cycling Route 341 Flanatica

Route 341 Flanatica passes through Hreljići and forms a 35-kilometer circuit through Marčana, Krnica, Rakalj, Uvala Blaz, Belavići, Hreljići, Prodol, and Divišći. It is rated moderate and is suitable for e-bikes. Check the current route conditions and course before setting out. Compared with the two activities, Flanatica is described as a circular route with a stated total distance and difficulty level; the Camino description focuses on the stage, the stop at the church, and the subsequent stretch to Manjadvorci.

The Wider Region: Općina Marčana

In the wider destination of Općina Marčana, a 36-kilometer-long, indented coastline stretches from Raša Bay in the north to Budava Bay in the south. The 193-kilometer Camino South Istria pilgrimage route also passes through the municipality. These details place Općina Marčana in its role as the wider destination; the local themes in Hreljići are the pilgrimage church and the walking and cycling routes described here.

Discover more destinations: Marčana, Loborika, Cokuni, Pavicini, Krnica, Filipana, Veliki Vareški, Kavran

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Marčana.