Belica
The home of a famous Croation potato brand "belički kalamper"
Belica is a village and a manucipality in central Međimurje, the most northern county of Croatia. The area of Belica has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, to which testify many archaeological finds dating from that period, such as bronze sickles, axes, knives, spears, chisels, necklaces and other jewellery. It is believed that Belica got its name from the colour of the soil. Its name was first recorded in the middle of the 13th century as Terra Beosvola ("white soil"). However, it is more probable that the village got its name from one of its feudal lords, Lord Bela, who lived there at the beginning of the 13th century. Today, Belica is a developed municipality with many cultural, social and sports events. Most of its inhabitants are involved in agriculture, and Belica is particularly known for its potato ("belički kalamper"). In 2007 people even erected a statue dedicated to their favourite crop, the first of its kind in Europe (some say even the world).
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The parish church in Belica is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church is in the center of the village.
The parish was founded in the 15th century and the first mention dates back to 1501. The first Belica parish church was built in the 15th century and had more Gothic features. By the end of 17th century it was already in poor condition. The old church was demolished in 1703 and that same year the construction of a new baroque church began. It was built for a long time. It was the first baroque church in the county of Međimurje.
The books of baptized, dead and married have been preserved since the 1700s.
The church was decorated and restored through centuries. When pulling from Međimurje in the World War II, the German army mined the church tower in 1945. The bell tower with church bells, paintings, organs, furniture and stained-glass paintings was badly damaged. Already next year, everything was restored by the voluntary work and the offerings of the parishioners.
The Potato Monument
The first potato monument in the world
The potato monument was raised in 2007 in Belica municipality as a sign of gratitude to all potato producers. Belica is a village known throughout Croatia for the production of consumer and seed potatoes. "Belički kalamper" is a well-known Croatian potato brand and Belica's trademark.
The potato monument consists of a silhouette of man and a potato. The potato is about one meter high and 60 centimeters wide. It is placed in the center of the village opposite the parish church. In 2007, when it was set up, it was the first monument dedicated to potato in the world.