Municipality of Molve – Pilgrimage, Art and Nature

The Municipality of Molve brings together a strong Marian pilgrimage tradition, naive art and natural attractions in the Podravina region. The statue of Our Lady of Miracles is central to its religious history; the annual procession leads from her chapel to the parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Culture-minded travellers can also visit the Molvarski likovni krug Gallery and a permanent exhibition. Those looking to focus their stay more on water and nature will find further places of interest at Sekuline, Čingi Lingi, Mura-Drava Regional Park and Repaška šuma.

Church and Marian Pilgrimage

The parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the neoclassical style. Construction began in 1853, and the church was consecrated in 1862. It is classified as a protected cultural asset and is one of the tourist attractions of the Municipality of Molve.

The miraculous statue is kept year-round in the Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles. Because the statue is considered miraculous, Molve became a Marian shrine and a pilgrimage centre for the faithful. Every year, for the Feast of the Assumption, the statue is carried in a large procession from the chapel to the parish church. If you would like to experience this event, check the procession dates before your trip.

Naive Art and Local History

The Molvarski likovni krug Gallery brings together around 30 painters and sculptors associated with Podravina naive art. The attic houses a permanent exhibition of historical household items and clothing. It complements the art with insights into everyday life in the past.

The cultural offer of the Municipality of Molve also includes the birthplace of Mijo Kovačić, considered an important Croatian naive painter. The Molve Multimedia Cultural Centre is another cultural institution in the municipality. Together, these places show different sides of the local cultural heritage: sacred art, naive painting and everyday history.

Nature, Water and Fishing

The natural attractions of the Municipality of Molve include Mura-Drava Regional Park, Repaška šuma and Sekuline, an artificial lake. Čingi Lingi is considered the main bathing spot in this part of Podravina, and fishing is also mentioned as a possible activity there. Before visiting, check local conditions and the current situation at the bathing spot.

The ŠRK Šaran Molve organises fishing competitions, including the traditional Kup Velika meša and the Ščukijada. Check the dates and participation requirements in advance. For groups of day-trippers and tourists passing through or staying longer in nature, the Ribički dom at Sekuline can prepare fish specialities. Ask about menus and availability in advance.

Getting Around and Finding a Hotel

For road directions, a turnoff from the Podravska magistrala runs via Molve and Repaš, connecting the area to a border crossing towards Hungary.

You can plan your trip around the interests that bring you to the Municipality of Molve.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Repaš, Molve, Municipality of Sveti Ivan Žabno, Municipality of Kloštar Podravski, Municipality of Sokolovac, Municipality of Rasinja, Municipality of Sveti Petar Orehovec, Municipality of Gola.

For the wider travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.