THE RATKAY ROUTE – 106

Desinić is mentioned for the first time in the Zagreb Kaptol statutes around 1334, under the name ‘Ecclesia sancti Gheorgii de Zothla’, as the seat of the Roman Catholic parish of St. George. Desinić is a charming small, non-urban town in Zagorje, where the great Gothic church of St. George graces the local square, co-existing with peasants struggling all day on land, with very modest opportunities. The Ratkay family of Veliki Tabor became the owners of Veliki Tabor in 1502, after the Celjski family. It was by a royal charter from King Maximilian II that Baron Petar Ratkay came into possession of it for military merit. As owners, the Ratkay family expanded Veliki Tabor, giving it its present appearance. When coming into Veliki Tabor, the coat of arms of the county of Ratkay is still visible: a brick well with a spool and a bucket.