Felsőszentmárton: History, Tradition and Nature

• The Szent Márton Church was built in 1727 near the ruins of an older church, extended in 1852 and renovated in 2021.
• Táborpuszta is part of the municipality of Felsőszentmárton. According to tradition, King Saint Ladislaus crossed the Drava there with his army.
• Several protected plant species grow in the vicinity of the destination, around Lake Mrtvica. From early summer, the yellow water-lily blooms strikingly on the surface of the water.

The building history of the Szent Márton Church can be traced through three distinct dates. The church was built in 1727 near the ruins of an older church. It was extended in 1852 and renovated in 2021. Construction, extension and renovation refer to different phases and should not be confused.

The connection with the ruins is part of the historic character of the place: the church was built nearby. The date 1727 refers to the construction of the Szent Márton Church, not to the older church. Those interested in church and architectural history will find a specific local point of interest here, without conflating the later changes into a single phase of construction.

Táborpuszta is part of the municipality of Felsőszentmárton. The place is associated with the tradition that King Saint Ladislaus crossed the Drava there with his army. The story should be understood explicitly as a tradition; it gives the place a different kind of connection from the dated building history of the church.

Several protected plant species grow around Lake Mrtvica. The yellow water-lily is particularly striking: it starts flowering in early summer, and the plant covers the water's surface like a conspicuous yellow carpet. The seasonal timing is part of this natural feature, making it a topic closely associated with early summer.

The wider Baranya region is home to other cultural attractions, including the Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae in Pécs. It includes decorated tombs dating from the 4th century. They were built as underground burial chambers with above-ground memorial chapels and decorated with richly detailed Christian wall paintings. The architecture, burial chambers and paintings offer several different historical perspectives on the site.

The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter features the exhibitions “Golden Age of Zsolnay” and “Pink Exhibition,” as well as an exhibition on the history of the family and factory. There are also a variety of activities for families: the quarter offers children outdoor playgrounds, an interactive lab, a planetarium, the Bóbita Puppet Theatre, a ceramic painting workshop and classes at the Hercules Workshop. The freely accessible outdoor area can be entered and used free of charge during opening hours. Check current opening hours before visiting.

Another cultural stop is Siklós Castle. It is one of Hungary’s best-preserved military complexes and also one of the country’s most significant Renaissance buildings. Modernization of the museum wing also opened the Gothic section, which had previously been inaccessible to visitors. At the Nagyharsány Sculpture Park, the “Art in Nature” program includes a guided tour of the sculpture park.

The Ős-Dráva Visitor Centre near Szaporca combines an interactive exhibition with an agricultural demonstration area where practical farming methods are presented. Three themed educational trails share knowledge about traditional agriculture, the Ős-Dráva program and wildlife along the Drava. The agricultural area features native Hungarian domestic animals, including Hungarian Grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, Hucul horses, and traditional breeds of sheep and poultry.

The wilderness trail along the Old Drava has a birdwatching and bird-ringing station, a lookout point, a photography hide, a covered activity area and several rest stops. The Kikerics panoramic trail focuses on a different aspect of visitor access: it allows people to move safely along the cliff edge while protecting the park’s plant life from trampling.

Food and drink are also part of the region’s attractions. In Villány’s cellar row, you can go from cellar to cellar throughout the year to sample wines and delicious dishes. Alongside historical and natural attractions, Baranya also offers wine and regional cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Drávasztára, Sellye.

When was the Szent Márton Church built?

The Szent Márton Church was built in 1727 near the ruins of an older church. It was extended in 1852 and renovated in 2021.

What tradition is associated with Táborpuszta?

According to tradition, King Saint Ladislaus crossed the Drava there with his army. Táborpuszta is part of the municipality of Felsőszentmárton.

When does the yellow water-lily bloom at Lake Mrtvica?

The yellow water-lily blooms from early summer and covers the water’s surface like a striking yellow carpet.

For the wider travel overview: Sellye.