In Loborika, sacred art, historic roads, cycling, and a landscape shaped by forests and fields come together. These different themes give you several ways to plan your trip: you can get to know the area through its cultural history, learn about a section of the pilgrimage route, or plan a break by the ponds.
Pilgrimage Route and Historic Roads
The circular Camino South Istria passes through Loborika. Across the wider destination of Općina Marčana, the Camino is 193 kilometers long and runs through the municipality. Loborika is therefore part of a longer pilgrimage route; the 193 kilometers refer to the route as a whole.
Another historic connection is the remains of a former Roman road in Loborika. They are identified as a branch of the Flavian Road, which connected the ancient settlements of Gallicianum and Nesactium with the port of Budava. Loborika thus brings together a pilgrimage route and a historic road connection as distinct route themes.
Church of St. Flor: Furnishings and Façade
The small, single-nave Church of St. Flor brings together several specific details. Inside are a pre-Romanesque relief of an angel, a wooden altar depicting Saints Flor and Francis of Assisi, and a silver processional cross. The stone façade features a rose window and two bell openings; one of them dates to 1478. The year refers to that bell opening.
Forests, Fields, and Ponds
Loborika’s landscape includes oak forests, fields, olive groves, and vineyards. Next to the cemetery is a large chestnut forest, considered one of the largest in Istria. The landscape therefore ranges from areas shaped by agriculture to a distinctive woodland.
The Lokva ponds and the smaller Lakuć pond are near the main roundabout. They are places to visit and take a break on the benches. The ponds complement the cultural and route themes with a simple place to relax that you can include in your plans.
Cycling History and a Visit to the House of Cycling
In the wider destination of Općina Marčana, the House of Cycling in Loborika showcases the area’s cycling tradition. It features photographs, medals, and trophies. The exhibition also includes historic results from BK Loborika and a video about the life and sporting achievements of cyclist Nevio Valčić.
Visits are possible year-round, and admission is free. The House is normally open on Sundays; other visits can be arranged by appointment. Confirm the opening hours and visiting arrangements before your trip.
Loborika in the Wider Destination of Općina Marčana
The wider destination of Općina Marčana also includes 36 kilometers of varied coastline. It stretches north from Raša Bay to Budava Bay in the south. This regional coastal setting complements the forests, fields, olive groves, and vineyards mentioned for Loborika with a different landscape perspective.
The cultural history of the wider destination of Općina Marčana is also spread across different places. The birthplace of Mijo Mirković in Rakalj houses a memorial collection about his life, literary work and legacy, as well as Rakalj’s local pottery tradition. In Mutvoran, the main altar of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene was created in 1533; the parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Marčana dates to the 15th century. These connections complement the details of the Church of St. Flor without conflating its history with that of the other churches.
Another regional pilgrimage event is the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Health at the church of the same name in Hreljići. It takes place every year on the second Sunday in October. If you include this date in your plans, check the specific program before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Peruski, Orbanići, Krnica, Pinezići, Pavicini, Belavići, Cokuni, Bratulići.
View the wider travel overview: Općina Marčana.
