Martjanci: St Martin’s Church, Cycling Routes and Martin’s Hike

Martjanci offers several specific points of interest to consider when choosing a destination: St Martin’s Church, a paved circular cycling route, an annual hike and a restored pond area. Each has a distinct focus: the church’s frescoes, inscription and altar; the length and surface of the Po bregaj loop; and the tastings and traditional finale of the Martinov pohod. When looking for a hotel in Martjanci, you can consider which of these interests matters most to your stay.

St Martin’s Church: Frescoes, Inscription and Altar

St Martin’s Church is considered an exceptional monument of national importance. Inside are frescoes by Janez Aquila depicting episodes from the life of St Martin. The frescoes give the church significance beyond the region and add a distinctive artistic focus alongside its architecture.

A Latin inscription at the church states that it was built in 1392 in honour of saints whose relics are kept there. Another historical feature is the marble high altar, made in 1925 to a design by architect Jože Plečnik. The inscription and altar therefore relate to different periods, while the frescoes form a distinct pictorial cycle. Together, these features offer a specific reason to consider the church from both artistic and historical perspectives.

Visits to St Martin’s Church can be arranged by appointment with the parish office in Martjanci. Contact the parish office in advance to arrange your visit.

Circular Cycling Route and Hiking Trail

The Po bregaj circular cycling route runs from Moravske Toplice through Martjanci, Sebeborci, Andrejci and Zgornji Moravci, then back to Moravske Toplice. It is 16 kilometres long and runs entirely on paved roads. The route is signposted and suitable for recreational cyclists. Its length and surface give you two specific points to consider when including this cycling loop in your travel plans.

The published route and distance information may change; check the current route and local signposting before setting out. The Martjanska pot offers a different point of reference: it partly follows the Pomurska planinska pot, the European long-distance path E7 and the Martinova pot. Its route may also change, so check the current route before setting out.

Martinov pohod and the Pond Area

The Martinov pohod is a traditional annual hike that attracts many hikers from near and far. Tastings of local specialities are held along the route, and the event concludes with a traditional baptism of the must. If this hike is a key reason for your trip, check the event dates before planning your visit around it.

The restored pond area in Martjanci covers approximately 0.56 hectares. During its restoration, paths were created around the pond, along with two piers and two bridges. This makes the pond area a different point of interest from the cycling loop and hiking trails: its layout is defined by waterside paths, two piers and two bridges. These distinct features—church art, a cycling loop, an annual hike and a pond area—can help you choose Martjanci based on your own travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Beltinci, Puconci, Gornji Petrovci, Šalovci, Rogašovci, Grad, Moravske-Toplice, Murska Sobota.

Return to the main travel overview: Murska Sobota.