April the 3rd, 2026 – Known as the symbol of Zagorje, Veliki Tabor is an unusual Croatian castle with a view that extends to Slovenia. Nobody is quite sure how old it is, and it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful castles in the whole region.
As Putni kofer/Martina Hrupic writes, with its rather unusual appearance, recognisable red roof and bright white facade, it is one of the most beautiful castles in Zagorje and in Croatia as a whole. It competes for the title with the equally famous Trakošćan, but many wouldn’t be able to choose between the two. Within its walls lurks the power of history, culture, knowledge, curiosities and plenty of legends. Surrounded by greenery and flower meadows, it is an excellent destination for a spring excursion, although it will not disappoint at any time of the year.
a grand view of slovenia from an even grander building
In spring in particular, the marvellous Veliki Tabor harmoniously blends in with the greenery and colourful wildflowers that surround it. Located near Desinić, right on the very top of Košnički Hum, it has been a captivating sight for centuries with its imposing appearance at 333 metres above sea level. Its location is not only picturesque, but also extremely impressive. Veliki Tabor is one Croatian castle that offers not only panoramic views of the entire Zagorje region, but a view into the mountains of neighbouring Slovenia.
Veliki Tabor is considered to be one of the most significant cultural and historical monuments of secular architecture in continental Croatia. Part of its significance, value and uniqueness is given to it by its fortification architecture. It has always been in the service of defence, and its very name, which essentially means war camp, proves this. Today, it is listed as a zero-category monument: one of the best-preserved late medieval and Renaissance fortified towns in all of continental Croatia.
Although Veliki Tabor Castle is a well-known sight in Zagorje, it is home to many more mysteries than one might first assume. One of the biggest question marks above the imposing structure is that nobody is quite sure how old it actually is. Certain experts believe it was constructed back during the mid-15th century, while others claim that the oldest parts of the complex were built only at the beginning of the 16th century. The latest data supports the first version.
The oldest part (that we’re sure of) lies in the heart of Veliki Tabor. This is of course the beautiful palace, a residential building, surrounded by four semicircular towers connected by mighty defensive walls. These towers once protected the old town from many invasions by foreign powers. It boasts sloped bases and adaptations designed to defend specifically against firearms. During the 18th century, however, even the towers were converted for residential use.
veliki tabor’s dark history and ghostly resident…
Veliki Tabor is gorgeous, but has a very dark aspect to its history, making it impossible to discuss without mentioning the tragic Veronika, a poor girl from Desinić. Her awful story takes us back to the time of Count Herman II of Celje, whose son Frederick fell in love with the poor village girl. The Count was greatly displeased by their relationship, but the two decided to fight for it. They plotted and secretly fled to neighbouring Slovenia, marrying in secret there. When the Count found out, he sent his soldiers after them, and what followed was an act of unbelievable cruelty.
He had his own son imprisoned in the Tower of Celje, where he spent the next four years longing for his life and one true love back. Veronika did actually manage to escape for a short time, but was eventually re-captured and imprisoned in Veliki Tabor herself. As was all the rage to do to women back then, the Count accused her of being a witch and of having put his son under a spell. This accusation passed with no problem, and the powers that were quickly arranged a trial. The judges actually declared her innocent, finding that she was not a witch in any capacity, but as soon as they left, the furious Count ordered her execution.
“They placed a wooden container and filled it with water in the courtyard of Veliki Tabor. Tied up and unable to defend herself, Veronika was hauled there and drowned. Her lifeless body was then walled up in the section connecting the pentagonal tower with the castle entrance. Even today, especially during long winter nights, along with the howling wind, the incessant sobbing of Veronika’s trapped soul can still be heard agonisingly echoing throughout the expansive, often empty grounds of Veliki Tabor.”
Located about an hour or so’s drive from the heart of Zagreb, a trip though the gorgeous rolling hills of Zagorje and to Veliki Tabor is always a good idea.
