The Counts of Celje, Slovenia’s own family of nobles, shaped the country’s history in many of ways during their long time in power. But one story has captured the imagination of countless generations - the sad tale of a 15th century countess known as Veronica of Desenice.

Little is known of Veronica’s early life. According to historians, she was probably born on the territory of modern-day Croatia. The story began when she married Frederick II of Celje. Unfortunately for the newlyweds, she was member of minor nobility, and the count’s father, Hermann II, was determined to end their marriage at any cost. The father and his son had been at odds for years, particularly after Frederick II’s first wife died under suspicious circumstances.

Conveniently for the elder count, the 15th century was a time of witch trials in Europe. Hermann II imprisoned Frederick II and accused Veronica of being a witch who had schemed to corrupt his son. Much to everyone’s surprise, Veronika had an able defender in court, and the trail ended with an acquittal.

Hermann II, however, vowed his revenge; he first imprisoned Veronica in one of his castles – and then had her drowned in a tub.

In the years following Veronica’s death, the historic House of Celje ceased to exist. After Count Ulrich II, Frederick II’s son from his first marriage, was assassinated by a political opponent, the family died out. Eventually, the rival Hapsburgs took over their property, and the Counts of Celje were consigned to history books.

Through the years, however, the tragic love affair between Veronica and Frederick II became a veritable legend. It inspired a number of literary works, and a major poetry award in now named in Veronica’s honor. Meanwhile, the three stars in Slovenia’s coat-of-arms – a symbol of the Counts of Celje – serve as a reminder of a colorful family that once played such a major role in the Slovenian Lands and whose story was cut short by a father’s rage.