Medvedgrad Fortress

Zagreb · Croatia · Castle

The Black Queen keeps watch above Zagreb – transformed, legend says, into a serpent brooding over her treasure in the mountain's tunnels.

The medieval fortress on the slopes of Medvednica is linked to Barbara of Celje, queen and empress, whom folk tradition named the Black Queen. She is said to have dressed only in black, a tame raven perched on her glove – a bird that pecked out the eyes of anyone who displeased her. To guard her treasure from enemies she allegedly made a pact with the devil, and so found no rest in death: she was transformed into a serpent queen watching over riches in secret tunnels between Medvedgrad and Zagreb. Treasure hunters who sought the gold are said to have met misfortune, and hikers still tell of a black-clad figure among the ruins.

FAQ

Where is Medvedgrad Fortress located?

Medvedgrad Fortress is in Zagreb, Croatia.

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Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.

Image: SpeedyGonsales · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons