Veliki Tabor (The Great Tabor) is a castle from the 15th century, located in the north-western part of Croatia, in the county of Zagorje, near the town of Desinić, and 8 km west of Pregrada. Today it is one of the most well-preserved monuments in Croatia, built in Gothic style. According to documents, Veliki Tabor was built for the first time as a fortress for defence against the attacks of the Ottoman Empire, and it became the castle between the 17th and 18th century. The first known owners were the Rattkays. Built in late-Gothic style with its white walls, magnificent towers and beautiful front courtyard, this place will take your breath away. The map from 1861 shows that the castle was surrounded by walls and the entrance, defended by a tower, was on the west side. The castle of Veliki Tabor today is a museum, where you can see old weapons and rooms with antique furniture. In 2011 it was completely restored and reopened to visitors. One of the rooms is actually the old cellar, where you can relax with a glass of wine.
The legend of forbidden love
In the 15th century, the Great Tabor was under the Celjski family. Once upon a time, in 1401, when a beautiful little girl was born. Her parents named her Veronica. She was famous for her beauty. Count Herman Celjski was a very rich man, who owned Veliki Tabor Castle and had a son Fridrich II, who was married to Elizabeth. One day, Fridrich was riding his horse and he met a beautiful girl, Veronika. As in every legend – they fall in love immediately. As he knew, his father wouldn’t let him leave Elizabeth, Fridrich killed his wife and secretly married Veronika. According to the legend, his father sent the army to get his son. He arrested his son and gave orders to kill Veronika and put her body in the castle walls. The interesting thing is that during the restoration a female skull was found, together with her hair, which in their opinion belonged to poor Veronika. In the end – only the castle walls know the truth.
