Veliki Tabor Castle and its legend

Croatia has plenty of beautiful and well-preserved fortresses and castles. One thing is sure, you will find something special in each one of them. After Trakošćan and Ozalj, I would like to show you one more must-see castle in Croatia. Veliki Tabor (The Great Tabor) is the castle from the 15th century, located in the northwest part of Croatia, in Zagorje County, near the town of Desinić, and 8 km west from Pregrada. Today, it represents one of the most well-preserved monuments in Croatia, built in gothic style. Veliki Tabor Castle brings you a legend of a sad love story. Be ready to hear the end of it. 

Veliki Tabor Castle, near Desinić

Hum Košnički 4, 49216, Hum Košnički, Croatia

Desinić

49216, Desinić, Croatia

Pregrada

49218, Pregrada, Croatia

History of the castle

According to the documents, Veliki Tabor was first built as a fortress for defense from the Ottoman Empire's attacks, and it became the castle between the 17th and 18th century. The first known owners were the Rattkay family. Built in late gothic style with its white walls, magnificent towers and stunning front yard, this place will take your breath away. The map from 1861 shows that the castle was surrounded by the wall, and the entrance, defended by a tower, was from the west side. On the east side, there was a tower with guns.

Veliki Tabor today

Veliki Tabor Castle today represents a museum, where you can see old weapons and rooms with old furniture. In 2011, it was fully restored and reopened for visitors. One of the rooms is actually the old wine cellar, where you can relax with a glass of vine. From its eastern tower, you can see almost 30 km of view on a clear sunny day. Imagine that landscape! During the night, it looks magical and somehow little bizarre with the game of shadows from the towers. Also, it is a place where many cultural events are held. You can even see the performance of a young actress in the castle yard. They will bring you the story of Herman Celjski, and a sad love story of Veronica and Friedrich II. Nature and surroundings of the castle are also worth spending a day. 

The legend of forbidden love 

In the 15th century, the Great Tabor was under the Celjski family. Once upon a time, in 1401, one beautiful baby girl was born. Her parents gave her the name Veronica. She was famous for her beauty. Earl Herman Celjski was a very rich man, who owned the castle Veliki Tabor and had a son Fridrich II, who was married to Elizabeth. One day, Fridrich was riding his horse and met a beautiful young girl, Veronika. Like in every legend - they fall in love immediately. As he knew, his father won’t allow him to leave Elizabeth, Fridrich killed his wife and secretly married Veronika. According to the legend, his father sent the army to catch his son. He arrested his son and gave the order for Veronika to be killed and her body to be put in the wall of the castle. The interesting thing is that a female skull was found during the restoration, along with the hair, which they believe belonged to poor Veronika. In the end - only the castle walls know the truth.

Veliki Tabor Castle and its legend of a sad love story will take you on a very unique journey. It will be probably different from everything you saw so far in Croatia. Don't miss it.