Hello everyone!
If you ever find yourself near Dugo Selo, a small town about 20 km east of Zagreb, you might wonder if there’s anything worth seeing. The answer is yes—Martin Breg, a hill with a fascinating history. @ssekulji and I recently visited this site, and I can confidently say it’s worth a short detour :)!! It won’t take up much of your time, but the history, ruins, and surrounding landscape make for a memorable little sightseeing trip!!
A Town Steeped in History
Dugo Selo is known as the Town of St. Martin, with its history dating back to 1209, when King Andrew II granted the land of St. Martin (Terra Sancti Martini) to the Knights Templar. This deep historical connection to St. Martin can still be seen today, making the town an important part of St. Martin’s Way, a pilgrimage route that connects places dedicated to the saint across Europe.
The Ruins of St. Martin’s Church
Atop Martin Breg stands St. Martin’s Church, the oldest and most significant historical monument in the area, built in 1209. Some evidence suggests that it may have been built over an even older Templar church, reinforcing the area’s deep ties to medieval religious orders. It’s crazy!! I can’t wrap my mind around it!
Unfortunately, the church was severely damaged in the 1880 earthquake, leading to the construction of a new parish church in Dugo Selo. Today, it stands as a ruin, a silent witness to centuries of history. Despite its state of decay, I was pleasantly surprised that it hasn’t been vandalized with graffiti, which is rare for abandoned buildings, especially in Croatia lmao. The atmosphere around it is peaceful yet mixedwith a bit of sadness: it’s easy to imagine how magnificent it must have once been :) 
Martin Breg: A Place for Strolling and Wine
At 204 meters high, Martin Breg has long been a favorite spot for locals and visitors looking for a relaxing walk. The area is known for its vineyards and winery cottages, with the Dugo Selo Winegrowers Association maintaining a town vineyard right across from the church. The wine yard is apparently public property??
Adding to the historical and cultural charm of the place is a 7-meter-tall wooden statue of St. Martin, created by sculptor Josip Cikač. The statue depicts the saint in his traditional pose, cutting his cloak in half to share it with a beggar—a scene often associated with St. Martin’s legacy of kindness. A smaller version of the statue serves as Dugo Selo’s official souvenir.
A Unique Way to Explore: Long Village Fitness Walk
For those who love walking, Dugo Selo offers Long Village Fitness Walk, a self-guided 7 km walking tour that takes you through the town’s highlights. It starts right after you get off the train at Kolodvorska Street, leading you through Martin Breg, past the town vineyard, and back through the forest to the center.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s also a longer 11 km trail. The best part? It’s available year-round, and all you need is comfortable shoes and a bit of curiosity. You can simply scan a QR code in town to follow the map and informational signs along the route. And of course, don’t forget to take photos along the way!
Martin Breg may not be a grand tourist attraction, but it’s a peaceful, historically rich place that’s definitely worth a short visit. The ruins of St. Martin’s Church, the vineyards, and the statue of St. Martin create a unique blend of history and nature, making for a perfect quick getaway from the city.
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Top post!
Thank you :)!!
Always!
❤️
It looks like a quiet and beautiful place to explore. It really deserves a visit, even if you are not in the mood for hiking.
They used what they could to build it :D I guess different parts of church are just from different times. It seems like a nice trip :)
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STOPWill have to keep this in mind next time the wife and I are over there. On our last trip (May 2024) we went the other way and stopped in Pula. We had our "home base" in Ljubljana (my father lives there) and ventured out exploring. Next time, I think we'll spend a little more time inland. Slovenia and Croatia are simply stunning!!!