Portarits of Celje – Vașlaban Mara
When I think of portraits my mind instantly goes to beautifully painted pieces of art that hang from museum walls and which surprise kind smiles and perfect postures. Celje has got does too. Some significant figures can embody the history of the city. During the Erasmus+ mobility in the city, we got the chance to “get to know” the people behind the portraits of Celje. We were told by our guide that the story of the famous Counts of Celje started with the Lords of Sanneck.
Of course, the stories were far more detailed and better explained on the tour than I can recreate in writing but what remained secured in my head were the names Barbara, Frederik and Veronika. Barbara was the highest crowned head in Slovenian history and although this happened by marrying Sigismund of Luxembourg, she became an actual symbol on her own. She stood behind the elite Order of the Dragon, founded by her husband. The members, including even the notorious Count Dracula, swore allegiance to the King and the Queen. With the symbol of the dragon, they were defending Christianity throughout Europe.
The portrait of Frederick II is kept alive through his tragic story with Veronica of Desenice, whom he fell in love with while he was already married. Herman II did not approve of the union and had Veronica drowned and Frederick confined to the tower where he wanted him to starve to death. This love story is what makes the city famous and what caught my attention because who doesn’t love a tragic love story?
Those names represent the history of Celje and paint its portrait in water, blood and love and I believe they will be forever stuck in my mind and heart.
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