ST. MARTIN HILL – HREN’S HILL –
SEAT OF THE "FLARE OF GORNJA STUBICA" ASSOCIATION

The hill of St. Martin, by Gornji Hreni in Slani Potok, was landscaped in the period from 2008 to 2011. Many individuals and associations from Gornja Stubica participated in creating this magnificent oasis of peace and countryside atmosphere: Association of wine producers’ and viticulturers "Peharček", Hunters’ Association "Orao",  County Department for Roads, Parish Office and Municipality of Gornja Stubica, Lokal Water Supply Society, Croatian Forests, Krapina-Zagorje County, members of the " Flare of Gornja Stubica" association, and others. Residents of Gornja Stubica, as well as many friends from abroad, who are not directly related to Gornja Stubica, participated by donating their time and gifts, and collecting the antiques.

It all started with the idea of Reverend Dubravko Škrlin Hren, whose grandfather Juraj Hren (1922-1997) was born on this hill. And the idea was to create, on this private land that was completely overgrown with vegetation, something for the benefit of all, something to speak in the present about our past, our religious and cultural traditions, our ancestors' way of life, and about the beauty of man’s coexistence with God and nature. The goal was to finish at least a part of the overall project for the celebration of the great jubilee in 2009 – the 800 years of Stubica and St. George’s Church (1209 – 2009) - for the blessing ceremony of the Chapel of St. Martin that took place on August 23rd 2009. The jubilee oaktree was also planted near the chapel the same year.

The St. Martin hill-park is owned and managed by the "Flare of Gornja Stubica" Association, the tasks of which are to promote the culture and traditions of the complete life of the parish and the municipality of Gornja Stubica, and to promote the bonds among people living in Gornja Stubica and further. It aims to preserve and to present our "fragrant antiques" by collecting old materials (photographs, written documents, poetry, antique items, as well as organising concerts and various gatherings). The Association has 22 members (university and secondary school students, education and religious workers and numerous associates). The association also publishes a monthly magazine "The Flare of Gornja Stubica", printed in more than 700 copies.

Numerous hikers and wondering travellers from all parts of our country and the world enjoy visiting this place. We wish to extend a warmest welcome to all visitors and make them feel at home. We want them to feel the comfort and grace of peacefulness, collectedness and of natural beauty, and for them to leave this place feeling their spirit and their minds have been enriched. Next to the stream there is an old mill, adapted in remembrance of some twenty mills which today exist only in memories of older generations, while a Way of the Cross links the area of the mill and the stream to the Ethno-village.

The largest crowds gather here at noon sharp on the first Sunday following the Feast of St. Martin, when there is a Celebration of the Mass, followed with bountiful refreshments, the ceremony of "baptising of young wine", as well as tasting of young wines.

If you wish a more thorough tour of the St. Martin hill, the chapel and the small houses, or wish to stay here for a while, have a glass of altar wine, take a souvenir with you, or need any other service, the following persons will be glad to help you:

• Vladimir Hren +385 (0)91/167 0877
• Ivan Đurđević +385 (0)99/415 9258
• Dubravko Škrlin Hren +385 (0)98/507 467