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We all know travelling is great, but how much do we know about the places we go to? Croatia and Slovenia are countries teemed with legends and folklores, from dragons to evil queens.
Get to know these five places that’ll make you’ll feel like you’re living out a storybook:
#1 Zagreb, Croatia
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Image via Shutterstock
Not all fairytales have pretty princes who get saved by their prince. A folklore from the capital city of Croatia tells the story of the Black Queen, an actual historical figure who lived in the 15th century. She was beautiful and had taken in lovers when her husband wasn’t around.
When she got tired of them, she ordered her lovers to be thrown over the mountain. Her favourite pet was a raven that sat on her shoulder and attacked people when ordered to do so. Some people said that she made a deal with the devil and was turned into a snake, guarding her treasures.
#2 Bled, Slovenia
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Image via Shutterstock
The most famous landmark in Bled is Lake Bled, but few realise the legends of sunken treasures it holds. A story that dates back to the 1500s tells of a young widow whose husband was killed by thieves and thrown into the lake.
To create a memorial for her husband, she had all her gold and silver melted to create a bell for a church. The boat that was supposed to deliver the bell capsised and the bell fell into the bottom of the lake. Now, people say that they can hear a bell ringing late at night coming from the lake.
#3 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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The emblem of the capital city of Slovenia is a dragon—and for a reason.
A Slovenian folktale tells the story of a ferocious dragon that forbade people from settling on its territory. Prince Jason of ancient Greece and his men (called the Argonauts), visited Ljubljana and slayed the evil dragon.
#4 Opatija, Croatia
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The Opatija Riviera is popular for a good reason—its breathtaking views have made it the birthplace of Croatian tourism. It was in the 1800s when the first holiday home there was built, and it attracted royal families and heads of states.
Here’s something for the romantics: You’ll find the beautiful Villa Munz.
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Legend says that Jakob Munz, a stone worker, built it in 1903 for his wife, Emma. You’ll feel like you’re living a modern fairytale when you take a stroll here with your partner.
#5 Plitvice, Croatia
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Image via Shutterstock
Plitvice is famously known for its national park, which consists of 16 beautiful lakes, a sight that would truly ease the mind from any stress.
There’s a famous legend of a monk who lived in a cave in one of the lakes, and people would visit him to ask for advice.
Ready to start your trip filled with myths and legends?
Travel with Trafalgar and get up to 45% discount off on second person, and more for their Europe and Americas Summer 2019 Sale. Trafalgar offers a unique experience of meeting the locals, hear the sounds, taste the flavours, and learn the cultures of your dream destination with their carefully handcrafted itineraries.
Call Holiday Tours at 03-6286 6220 or click here for more information. You can also visit their offices (Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm) located throughout the country.