Collections & publishing
The legend of Veronika of Desinić
According to legend, these parts were once ruled by powerful Count Herman II of Celje. His young son Fridrik, who often went horseback riding across his father's estate, set his eyes on a frail golden-haired maiden by the name of Veronika. They fell in love, which did not please old Herman. Despite his opposition, Fridrik and Veronika eloped to the town of Fridrihštajn near Kočevje, Slovenia, where they were married in secret. Old Count Herman soon learned of the marriage and dispatched an army to fetch the lovers. Fridrik managed to send Veronika away, and she fled through Gorski Kotar and Mount Kalnik to the village of Sveta Margita. Fridrik was caught by his father's soldiers and imprisoned in the Celje Tower, a narrow building 23 meters tall, where he spent over four years. The tower has since been called Fridrikova Kula [Fridrik's Tower]. Veronika was eventually imprisoned by Herman's soldiers in Veliki Tabor. Herman accused unfortunate Veronika of being a witch who had cast a spell on his son. A trial was organized, which lasted two days. On the evening of the second day, the judges said: "Count, there is no blame to be laid on this girl, much less crime. The only thing is that she is very much in love with your son Fridrik. However, your eminence, love has never been a sin, much less a crime. Love is one of the most beautiful human virtues! This, your eminence, completes our work." Despite the verdict, as soon as the judges set off on their way, Count Herman issued an order to his castellan that Veronika be killed. A large vat filled with water was put up in the courtyard of Veliki Tabor, in which Veronika was drowned. Her body was built into the wall connecting the pentagonal tower to the castle entrance. Veronika's wails can still be heard, especially in long winter nights, along with the howling of the wind…
How to find us / contact
© 2023 - Dvor Veliki Tabor