In the heart of Croatian Zagorje, on a hill towering over the picturesque countryside, rises the monumental Dvor Veliki Tabor - one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country. This pentagonal fortress with distinctive round towers not only impresses with its Renaissance architecture, but also attracts mystery and legend lovers who come here to learn the tragic story of Veronika Desinićka.

Veliki Tabor Castle was built in the 15th century by the Ratkay family as a strategic defensive point on the border between Croatia and Slovenia. Its thick walls and system of fortifications were meant to protect the inhabitants from Turkish invasions, but failed to protect them from the tragedy that unfolded within its walls. The most famous legend associated with the castle tells of the forbidden love of Fridrik, son of the powerful Count Herman II Celjski, for the beautiful peasant girl Veronika Desinić.

The story dates back to the early 15th century, when young Fridrik fell in love with Veronika against the wishes of his father, who was planning a politically advantageous marriage for him. The young couple eloped and married in secret, which infuriated Count Herman. When he discovered their whereabouts, he ordered the imprisonment of his son, and accused Veronica of witchcraft and imprisoned her in the castle of Veliki Tabor. Legend has it that after a rigged trial in which Veronika was found innocent, an enraged Herman ordered one of his servants to brick her alive in the wall of the castle.

Since then, residents and visitors to the castle claim that on windy nights Veronika's cries and moans can be heard coming from the walls. Some even say they have seen her pale figure flitting through the castle's corridors. Interestingly, during the renovation of the castle in the 1990s, a human skull was discovered in one of the walls, which for many is confirmation that the tragic story is true.

Today, Dvor Veliki Tabor functions as a museum, where, in addition to displays dedicated to the history of the region and the castle itself, you can see an archeological exhibition with artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages. Of particular interest is the collection of medieval weapons and armor, which allows you to be transported back to the days of knights and tournaments.

The castle is also famous for the excellent acoustics of the courtyard, where early music concerts and the 'Tabor Film Festival' short film festival are held every year. Architecture lovers will be fascinated by the details of the Renaissance portals, arcades and stone sculptures that decorate the castle's interiors.

It is worth noting the price of admission to the castle, which is relatively low compared to other tourist attractions in Croatia. A guided tour, which vividly recounts the legend of Veronica, is an added attraction, especially for families with children, who listen to this tragic love story with blazing eyes.

Moving from the mountainous interior to the Istrian coast, one encounters one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world - the Arena in Pula. This monumental structure, erected in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, may not date back to the Middle Ages, but over the centuries it has been steeped in legends and mysteries that still fascinate today.

Pula's amphitheater, built of local limestone, could accommodate up to 23,000 spectators who came to watch bloody gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Its elliptical shape with three levels of arcades still delights today, and its distinctive four towers, which were originally used to span the velarium (a canvas roof to protect spectators from the sun), give it a unique character among other Roman arenas.

There are several fascinating legends associated with the Pula Amphitheater. One of them tells of the ghosts of gladiators who, on moonless nights, return to the arena to fight their last battles. Locals say that sometimes the jaws of swords and the shouts of the combatants can be heard, even though the arena is empty. Another legend speaks of mysterious underground tunnels that supposedly connected the amphitheater to other parts of the city and even to nearby islands. Although archaeologists have not confirmed the existence of such an extensive network of tunnels, underground passageways under the arena do indeed exist and hide many secrets.

In the Middle Ages, when gladiatorial battles were a thing of the past, the Arena served as a venue for knightly tournaments and other spectacles. It was from this period that the legend of the Knight of Pula - a mysterious figure who appeared during tournaments, defeated all opponents and then disappeared without a trace - originated. Some believed it was the ghost of a Roman gladiator, others - a demon coming from the sea.

It is interesting to note that in the Middle Ages the local population believed that the Arena was built by fairies at night, which would explain its unusual architecture and size. This legend shows how the medieval inhabitants of Pula were amazed by the monumentality of the building, which they themselves would not have been able to erect with the technology of the time.

Today, the Pula Amphitheater is not only the city's most important monument, but also a venue for concerts, film festivals and other cultural events. It looks especially impressive during evening illuminations, when the illuminated arcades create a magical atmosphere.

In the basement of the arena there is an interesting exhibition dedicated to oil and wine production in ancient Istria, with original amphoras and pressing presses. For history buffs, the preserved inscriptions and sculptures are particularly valuable, providing a better understanding of daily life in the Roman province.

Compared to Veliki Tabor Castle, the Pula Amphitheater attracts many more tourists, especially during the summer season, which translates into higher ticket prices. However, the opportunity to see such a well-preserved example of Roman architecture and feel the atmosphere of ancient spectacles is worth any price. It's worth planning a visit during the off-peak season to avoid the crowds and be able to contemplate the history and legends of this remarkable place in peace.

Deep in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, just a dozen kilometers from bustling Pula, hides one of the most mysterious places in Croatia - the ruins of the medieval town of Dvigrad. This abandoned ghost town, whose stone walls and ruined buildings have lasted almost unchanged since the 17th century, is a fascinating example of medieval defensive architecture and urban planning, as well as a source of numerous legends and stories.

Dvigrad, whose name means 'two cities' or 'double city,' was probably founded as early as Roman times, but experienced its heyday in the Middle Ages, when it was under Venetian rule. The city was surrounded by a double ring of defensive walls with watchtowers, and on top of them rose a massive castle and the Church of St. Sophia. In its heyday, Dvigrad had a population of about 2,000, making it a significant center in the region.

However, fate was not kind to the residents of Dvigrad. The city was repeatedly plagued by plague epidemics, and the most terrible one, which swept through Istria in the 17th century, decimated the population. According to legend, the plague was a punishment for the sins of the residents, who were said to have led a debauched life and turned away from God. Another tale says that the epidemic was brought on by a curse cast by an old witch, whom the residents accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death.

The final abandonment of the town was also brought about by invasions by the Uskoks - pirates from the Dalmatian coast who regularly plundered settlements in Istria. The last residents left Dvigrad around 1714, moving to nearby Kanfanar. Since then, the town has remained abandoned and its ruins have gradually fallen into increasing disrepair.

There are many dark legends associated with Dvigrad. One of them tells of a Templar treasure that was supposedly hidden in the basement of a castle or church. Treasure hunters tried for centuries to find it, but without success. Another legend tells of the ghost of Dvigrad's last priest, who was supposedly walled up alive in the church wall for opposing the abandonment of the city. It is said that on moonless nights his prayers and lamentations can be heard.

Residents of the surrounding villages avoided the ruins of Dvigrad for a long time, believing the place to be haunted by the spirits of those who died during the epidemic. Stories were told about mysterious lights visible among the ruins and voices coming from abandoned houses. Some even claimed to have seen a procession of ghosts heading to the ruined St. Sophia Church.

Today, the ruins of Dvigrad are a fascinating tourist attraction, especially for lovers of history and mystery. Preserved fragments of fortified walls, foundations of houses, remains of the castle and church allow one to imagine what life was like in the medieval town. Particularly impressive are the ruins of St. Sophia Church, where you can see fragments of frescoes from the 15th century.

Compared to the crowded Amphitheater in Pula or the popular Veliki Tabor Castle, the ruins of Dvigrad offer a more intimate and authentic experience. The place is rarely crowded, allowing you to explore the ruins in peace and contemplate their history. In addition, admission to the ruins is free, which is a significant difference compared to other monuments.

The area around Dvigrad is also famous for producing excellent wine and olive oil, and in nearby Kanfanar you can taste local specialties, including the famous Istrian ham pršut. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers numerous hiking and biking trails through the picturesque landscapes of Istria.