The Black Queen’s Downfall
The Black Queen’s Downfall
Just above the picturesque part of Zagreb called Šestine, on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain, lies the hiking trail No. 13, one of the most popular trails where Zagrebians come to soak in the colours and the scents of the forest on the weekends.
A light one-hour walk on the Miroslavec educational trail, through the “50 shades of green”, will lead you to Queen’s Well, a well-known symbol of the mountain. A bench beside the lake practically invites you to sit and watch the reflections of the beautiful trees on the surface of the water, accompanied by the sound of birds in the background.
The Queen’s Well now serves as an oasis of peace, but a long time ago, horrible events took place here that are still the stuff of legends in the surrounding areas. In mid-fifteenth century, Medvedgrad Fortress on the southern slopes of Medvednica was home to the infamous Counts of Cilli, who sowed fear and terror among the inhabitants of Zagreb. An especially terrifying member of the family was Countess Barbara of Cilli (known locally as Barbara Celjska). Although historical records show her as the wife of Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary and Croatia, the common folk referred to her as the evil Black Queen, who gave rise to many frightening legends.
Queen’s Well: A Mysterious Water Source in 50 Shades of Green
All of the maleficence of her black soul came to light one day, when a great drought struck Medvednica and its surroundings. All of the springs and streams dried up, except a well at Medvedgrad. The thirsty locals headed for the castle to beg for some water, but the Black Queen arrogantly denied them the precious liquid and left them to the mercy of wild forest animals.
As death approached, and their throats became as dry as sand, they found a cold spring in the forest that wasn’t there before. As soon as they began drinking the water, spurred on by thirst and fear, the Black Queen’s spring at Medvedgrad, which she so selfishly kept to herself, suddenly dried up.