Visit Zagreb with stories about jealousy, intrigue and an alleged witch

Only a few hundred meters from Ban Josip Jelačić Square, the epicenter of the Croatian capital, in the vibrant Tkalčićeva Street full of nice restaurants and cafes, there is a monument to one of the greatest Croatian writers and the first Croatian journalist. Marija Jurić Zagorka.

In the shadows sunny weather begins the story of intrigue, jealousy, mysticism and tragedy in which numerous Zagreb sights such as Manduševac, the Church of St. Mark, Mesnička kula, Grič and Kaptol become perfect backdrops in the romantic adventures of the main characters.

In the footsteps of the most famous Zagreb witch

Greek witch, whose creation Marija Jurić Zagorka 's imagination worked overtime, became one of the most beloved works of Croatian literature, and numerous generations of Croatian readers laughed and cried with the character of Countess Nera. In creating this capital work, Marija Jurić Zagorka used numerous manuscripts from the rich history of Zagreb, and she was inspired by the character of Countess Nera in writings on witches dating from the middle of the 18th century.

Greek witch or coprnica, as witches are called in Zagreb slang, was the beautiful baker Barica Cindek whose only sins were beauty and popularity among the many customers she had on St. Mark's Square. Given that the widow Barica in turn rejected all suitors, even those from respectable ranks, so offended men began to make up rumors that she was the captain of a witch's guild who was in love with a black devil. In those superstitious times, the stories fell on fertile ground, and Barica's tragic fate was almost sealed when she refused to court one of Zagreb's most powerful notaries.

The vengeful Lacko Sale has launched a lawsuit against the trafficker based on false statements by women who claimed Barica was a witch. Although the movement against the harassment, torture and burning of innocent women began to grow throughout Europe three hundred years ago, Barica Cindek had to go through a ordeal in prison, but death escaped almost at the last minute when she bribed greedy notary Salo with the help of friends and family.

But just three months after the trial is over, Barica Cindek decides on a brave move that will ultimately cost her her life. The innocent baker decided to seek justice in court against the mighty Sale by suing him for bribery, incitement to fornication and seeking the devil’s seal on the body. The ordinary merchant had no chance against the rich notary and, according to one source, was soon burned.

Marija Jurić Zagorka did not want such a tragic fate for her heroine Neri. The Countess is in the novel The Witch of Grič after much suffering found happiness with Captain Siniša. Remember this story and legend while enjoying the smells, tastes and sounds of Tkalčićeva Street with two great Zagreb symbols - Marija Jurić Zagorka and the sunny wind.

Source: Croatia.hr

Cover photo: Facebook Zagreb - Zagreb Tourist Board