The Black Queen of Medvedgrad
High above Croatia’s bustling capital, Zagreb, perched majestically on the southern slopes of Mount Medvednica, stands the formidable medieval fortress of Medvedgrad. This imposing castle, with its dramatic history, is perhaps best known for its enduring association with a figure shrouded in both historical fact and chilling legend: The Black Queen at Medvedgrad. While many local tales often erroneously link her to the distant Bilogora mountain range, her true domain and the heart of her formidable reputation lie firmly within the walls of Medvedgrad and the surrounding Medvednica mountain, where her presence continues to captivate the imagination.
Barbara of Celje: The Historical Figure
The individual widely believed to be the inspiration behind the ”Black Queen” legend is Barbara of Celje (c. 1392 – 1451). Far from being a mere fictional character, Barbara was a powerful and influential figure in 15th-century European politics. Born into the powerful House of Celje, a noble family with significant holdings across Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary, she was strategically married at a young age to Sigismund of Luxembourg, who would become King of Hungary, Bohemia, and eventually Holy Roman Emperor.
Barbara was renowned for her intelligence, ambition, and sharp political acumen. She was multilingual, reportedly fluent in Latin, Croatian, Hungarian, French, and Czech, and actively participated in state affairs during her husband’s frequent absences.
She also held progressive views for her time, dabbling in alchemy and astrology, pursuits that were often viewed with suspicion and fear by the more conservative, religiously dogmatic society of the Middle Ages. Her striking appearance, often described as beautiful, coupled with her preference for black attire after her husband’s death, contributed to her enigmatic persona.
The Legend of the "Crna Kraljica" Takes Hold
Despite her undeniable historical significance, Barbara’s legacy became increasingly intertwined with darker folklore, transforming her into the ”Crna Kraljica” (Black Queen). This transformation was likely fuelled by a combination of factors: her immense power as a woman in a male-dominated era, her unconventional interests in alchemy and the occult, and perhaps a deliberate campaign by political rivals to tarnish her image.
The legends paint a far more sinister picture than historical accounts alone. The Black Queen of Medvedgrad is depicted as a cruel and ruthless ruler, given to fits of rage and unspeakable acts. Stories abound of her numerous lovers, whom she allegedly threw from the highest towers of Medvedgrad when she tired of them, their bodies supposedly left for the wild animals below.
Some tales even claim she practiced dark magic, taking baths in the blood of young girls to maintain her beauty and youth – a classic vampiric trope that speaks to the era’s fear of powerful, unconventional women. Her constant companion in these legends is often a black raven, a symbol of darkness and ill omen, said to be her true love, cursed to take avian form, or even a demonic familiar.
Medvedgrad: A Fortress Shrouded in Myth
Medvedgrad itself, originally built in the 13th century to defend against Tatar incursions, became the perfect stage for the Black Queen’s dark narrative. Its isolated, commanding position on Medvednica Mountain, its thick walls, and the shadowy depths of its interior provided a ready-made backdrop for tales of intrigue, treachery, and supernatural occurrences.
The castle’s history of changing hands frequently among various lords, some of whom were indeed tyrannical, likely contributed to the collective memory of a cruel ruler, which eventually coalesced around the figure of Barbara of Celje.
The legend also includes tales of the Black Queen selling her soul to the devil to save Medvedgrad from Ottoman invaders, or to gain immense wealth. She is said to have hidden a vast treasure within the castle’s labyrinthine tunnels, guarded by a monstrous snake or by her own restless spirit, still clinging to her ill-gotten gains.
Her tormented screams are sometimes reported to echo through the ruins on stormy nights, a testament to her unsettled spirit. The 1590 earthquake that severely damaged and eventually led to the abandonment of Medvedgrad only added to its ominous aura, solidifying its reputation as a ”cursed town” in local lore.
Separating Fact from Fi ction
While the legend of the Black Queen is undoubtedly more dramatic than the historical reality of Barbara of Celje, it serves as a fascinating example of how historical figures can be transformed by folklore. Barbara was indeed a powerful, intelligent, and unconventional woman, traits that were often viewed with suspicion in a patriarchal society.
Her political manoeuvring, wealth, and interest in esoteric knowledge likely fuelled the rumours that eventually solidified into the ”Black Queen” myth. The tales of cruelty and demonic pacts reflect medieval anxieties about female power and the unknown.
It’s crucial to note that the Bilogora mountain range, while rich in its own folklore (such as the Vedi), is geographically distinct from Medvednica. The Black Queen’s legend is firmly rooted in the Medvednica massif, specifically around Medvedgrad, which directly overlooks Zagreb.
The confusion might arise from the general perception of ”mountains and forests” being the domain of such mythical figures, but the specific details of the Black Queen’s story are intrinsically linked to Medvedgrad.
Visiting Medvedgrad: Stepping into the Legend
Today, Medvedgrad stands as a beautifully restored medieval fortress and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It serves as a stark reminder of Croatia’s rich history and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Zagreb and the surrounding region. While the days of fearsome queens and dark magic are long past, the spirit of the Black Queen undeniably lingers within its ancient stones.
Visitors can explore the castle’s restored towers, walk its battlements, and visit the Altar of the Homeland, a modern memorial to Croatian heroes. Interpretive signs provide historical context, allowing you to piece together the reality of Medvedgrad’s past. While you won’t find the Black Queen herself, you can certainly feel the weight of centuries of history and folklore.
Local events, especially around Halloween or medieval festivals, often feature reenactments and storytelling that bring the legend to life. A visit to Medvedgrad is not just a journey through Croatian history, but an immersive experience into one of its most compelling and mysterious legends, inviting you to ponder the true story of the Black Queen.