Art competition - The Legend of Veronica of Desinić

Veliki Tabor Castle invites all interested children of primary school age to participate in the art competition The Legend of Veronica of Desinić!

The oral tradition of Veronica of Desinić has been recognized as an intangible cultural asset and was entered into the Register of Cultural Assets of the Republic of Croatia in 2014.

The story of the unhappy love of the lower noblewoman Veronica Desinić and the nobleman Frederick of Celje has inspired numerous artists throughout history, and as a result of this inspiration, numerous works of art, literature, drama and other works of art have been created.

We invite children to learn about the legend and show their artistic skills, creativity and imagination in creating their own art works inspired by this love story. Entries can be sent by September 15, 2026 to the address: Dvor Veliki Tabor, Hum Košnički 1, 49 216 Desinić, with the note For the art competition.

The work must include basic information about the author: name and surname, date of birth, place and address of residence, name of elementary school, grade, contact (phone number or e-mail address), and name and surname of the teacher.

Artworks must be created using the raster technique (rapidographs, felt-tip pens, ink or pencil) on A3 or A4 paper format.

The most successful works will be announced and awarded in October 2026, on the eve of the anniversary of Veronika Desinićka's death.

The Legend of Veronika of Desinić

The legend says that many centuries ago, a powerful ban, Count Herman II. of Celje, ruled the area of ​​Croatian Zagorje (Hrvatsko Zagorje). Riding through his father's estates, his young son Frederick met a beautiful golden-haired girl, Veronika, with whom he fell in love at once. Veronika returned Frederick's feelings and they soon became lovers. Their love was fiercely opposed by Herman, who was bothered by Veronika's more humble origins. This prompted Veronika and Frederick to flee to Slovenia, to the town of Fridrihštajn, and to get married there in secret. It wasn't long before the elderly Count Herman learned of their secret wedding. Enraged and eager for revenge, he sent his army after the young couple. Veronika managed to escape the town, but Frederick was captured and taken to the town of Celje, where he was imprisoned in a tower for four years by his father's order. Herman's soldiers soon found Veronika and imprisoned her in Veliki Tabor. The vengeful Count accused the unfortunate girl of being a witch and of using magic to seduce his son. A trial was organized, but to Herman's great surprise, the judges acquitted Veronika of all charges. Herman was enraged and, despite the verdict, issued an order for her execution. A large wooden vessel filled with water was brought to the courtyard of Veliki Tabor and Veronica was drowned in it. In order to cover up any trace of her, her dead body was then built into the wall connecting the central tower with the entrance to the palace. However, legend has it that even today, on long winter nights, the cries of the unfortunate Veronica echo through the corridors of Veliki Tabor…

For any additional information, please contact us via e-mail address renata.decman@mhz.hr or by phone number +385 49 374 971.