Podevčevo at the foot of Čevo

Podevčevo lies at the foot of the slopes of Čevo. In addition to hiking trails, the Chapel of Saint Joseph, the Voglenski stream, and two subthermal springs shape the character of the place. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing the time needed for hikes from the local points of interest. Podevčevo’s history also reaches far beyond the chapel built in 1987.

Hiking at Čevo: Times and trail character

The ascent from Podevčevo to Čevo is listed as taking 45 minutes; the climb is considered quite steep. This time refers to the ascent to Čevo. On March 9, 2025, a longer hiking route from Podevčevo via Čevo, Veliki Lubenjak, and Grebengrad to Mađarevo was published: it was 12 kilometers long and listed as taking 4.5 to 5 hours. Thus, two different time frames are given—the ascent to Čevo and a hike passing several named points along the way to Mađarevo.

Weather can change trail conditions and the level of difficulty. Therefore, check current conditions before setting out. Organized departures can also change; if you have a hike planned, check the latest announcement. The Grebengrad–Čevo hiking trail is also listed among the routes associated with Čevo. Check the current trail markings before using it.

Chapel of Saint Joseph

The Chapel of Saint Joseph was built in 1987 to a design by Emil Geci. Cardinal Franjo Kuharić consecrated it on August 9 of the same year. The year of construction and the consecration date record different aspects: the design and construction of the place of worship, and its religious consecration. The chapel can therefore be situated both architecturally and by reference to a specific historical date.

More recently, a wayside shrine dedicated to Saint Benedict was built near the chapel. It adds a more recent point of reference to the place’s religious associations.

Springs at the Voglenski stream

Two subthermal springs in Podevčevo lie on the right side of the Voglenski stream, near the school and the chapel. The course of the stream and the springs’ location relative to these two buildings place them within the local landscape. They offer a different perspective on Podevčevo than the hiking information for Čevo: here, the focus is on natural features in the village, while there it is on the ascent, route, and time required.

Local history across several time periods

Podevčevo is first mentioned in the 14th century; from 1598, it belonged to the Grebengrad estate. These details mark different historical associations: the early mention and a later affiliation with the estate. Together with the chapel dating from 1987, they span the period from the medieval mention to more recent building history. Those looking to place the local history in context can distinguish these three time markers rather than treating them as a single event.

Discover more destinations: Donje Makojišće, Novi Marof.

See the main travel overview: Općina Novi Marof.