PANEL 1:

Hunters and Hunting Dogs

Hunting was considered a so-called regal right, meaning that up until the 20th century it was reserved almost exclusively for the nobility. As such, it held the status of an elite custom. Hunters were often experts in the knowledge of nature, animals, and hunting grounds, and their skills included tactical planning, proficient use of weapons, and an profound understanding of forest and rural landscapes.

In castles such as Trakošćan, hunting was an important ritual that gathered nobles and guests, strengthened social ties, and displayed the wealth and authority of the estate’s master. Thus, hunters were not merely performers of hunting tasks, but guardians of tradition and symbols of aristocratic identity.

Hunting dogs were the hunter’s most faithful companions. They acted as extensions of skill, since their sense of smell, speed, and loyalty made hunting more successful. They were also symbols of their owner’s prestige. Special breeds were developed depending on the type of hunt – such as hounds, pointers, or bloodhounds.

Their presence in the castle was both of ritualistic and symbolic status and they were often depicted in art. In Trakošćan and other castles, paintings and photographs testify to their importance within the aristocratic lifestyle and the culture of hunting.

Deer, Doe, and Fawn

The red deer is the largest deer species in Croatian habitats and one that has never been domesticated. In Croatia, deer live in the floodplain forests along the Danube, Sava, Drava, and Mura rivers, as well as in the woodlands of Gorski kotar. In the lowlands of Slavonia, the Kopački Rit nature park in Baranja has the densest deer population.

A stag can reach up to 2.5 meters in length, 1.5 meters in height, and weigh up to 300 kilograms, which is why it is often described as the “king of the forest.” During September, in the early dawn and evening, forests and marshes resound with the most beautiful song — the roar of the deer. In fact, the Croatian word for September (rujan) originates from the old slavic root rjujь meaning “roar.”

The roe deer is smaller than the doe of the red deer species. Its light build allows it to leap easily through brushwood, though it cannot run for long. It has a keen sense of hearing and smell. Roe deer inhabit all parts of Croatia except some islands and are especially numerous in the mountainous and continental regions. The male is called srnjak, the female srna, and the young lane (fawn).

The fawn, or deer calf, holds a special place in both natural and cultural symbolism. In nature, it represents the continuation of life and fertility within the forest ecosystem. For noble estates, the fawn symbolized successful forest management and a healthy deer population.
In art, the fawn embodies gentleness, innocence, and new beginnings, often appearing as a motif in heraldry and literature. Within hunting traditions it also symbolized careful stewardship of nature and the wisdom of its lord.

PANEL 2:

Grey Wolf

The grey wolf belongs to the canine family and is one of the most widespread terrestrial mammals. The Croatian wolf has grey fur, weighs around 31 kilograms on average, and measures about 170 centimeters from nose to tail. It feeds on all kinds of large mammals in its habitat, but also eats smaller animals, as well as forest fruit and berries.
To survive, it must be fast – capable of running up to 60 km/h, climbing, jumping, and swimming. A wolf can go hungry for over a month, yet it can consume up to 10 kilograms of food in one meal. It can travel more than 70 kilometers a day and swim over 13 kilometers. Wolves live in packs led by a dominant reproductive pair, with all other members being their offspring.

Wild Boar

Wild boar remains one of the most prized species of game even today. Wild boar hunting has always been considered a challenge requiring both courage and skill, as these animals are known for their strength, speed, and aggressiveness. On large estates such as Trakošćan, wild boar hunts were often categorized as ceremonial.

Their meat is highly valued, and their fur was used to make various everyday items or decorations.

Beyond their role in hunting, wild boars play an important part in maintaining the ecological balance of forest environments, though they can also carry infectious diseases transmissible to domestic animals.

Bear

The brown bear is the largest land mammal inhabiting the forested areas of the Dinaric Mountains, particularly Gorski kotar and Lika, from Snježnik and Risnjak across Velika and Mala Kapela to Plješivica and Velebit.  Adult females weigh between 85 and 160 kilograms, while males weigh from 130 to 210 kilograms.

Interestingly, a female gives birth to cubs weighing around 400 grams — several hundred times lighter than she is.

Fox

The red fox, found throughout Croatia, is the most widespread member of the canine family. Its body is covered in yellow-red fur, white on the throat and belly, with a black muzzle and paws, and a bushy tail. The fox is a solitary animal, it lives in burrows and feeds mainly on rodents, hunting like a cat – stealthily waiting and then pouncing on its prey.

During the mating season, the male fox emits a violet-like scent to attract females.
In medieval and early modern symbolism, the fox represented extreme cunning and intelligence – a creature capable of outwitting all others in the forest, including humans.

PANEL 3:

The Dragon

According to legend, the name Trakošćan derives from the German words Drache + Stein, meaning “dragon + stone.” Many thus believed that beneath the hill on which the castle stands, a dragon from Trakošćan sleeps. From ancient times, castles have inspired countless legends, often connected with mythical and supernatural beings. One of the most prominent examples is Trakošćan Castle itself, whose very name conceals such a legend — and some even claim that the dragon lies hidden beneath it. Similar tales, with nearly identical characters, appear across the world. Although the depictions of dragons in Chinese and European traditions may seem different, the stories share a universal thread connecting civilizations.

Birds of Prey

Birds of prey — such as eagles, falcons, and hawks — held a special place in both natural and cultural worlds of noble life. They were not merely wild animals but symbols of power, prestige, and noble identity. In the early modern period, falconry was a highly esteemed art, and the keeping of birds of prey was a privilege of the aristocracy. Falcons and hawks were used to hunt small animals, while eagles were trained to hunt foxes or larger animals such as roe deer. They embodied strength and nobility.

Falconry required knowledge, patience and resources, further emphasizing the social status of the owner. Birds of prey thus became symbols of the union between natural mastery and cultural tradition, reflecting the relationship between humans and nature, and the noble connection between hunting and art. It is therefore no surprise that the tradition of falconry in Croatia is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

PANEL 4:

Musicians at court

Musicians held an important role in the cultural and social life of noble courts. Performing both their own and others’ compositions, they became guardians and promoters of tradition and transmitters of cultural values – their skill directly influencing the prestige of their patrons.

They accompanied ceremonies, masses, banquets and dances. Nobles themselves were often musically educated. Their repertoire included instrumental and occasional vocal pieces, as well as specially composed pieces frequently commissioned by noble families or wealthy patrons.

At royal courts, musicians were often permanent members of the household, whereas among lesser nobility it was common to hire them for special occasions.

The finest musicians were educated in major European cultural centers such as Budapest, Vienna and Paris leading to the exchange of styles and influences – as music served as an expression of identity, status, and symbolism.

Trumpeters (and Their Role at Court)

Trumpeters served as official messengers and participants in ceremonial protocols. At court, their music announced the beginning of hunts, the arrival of guests, and significant events and celebrations.

In heraldry and courtly symbolism, the trumpeter was often depicted as the guardian of honor and order. Their attire was richly decorated, reflecting the prestige of the noble they served. In aristocratic residences such as Trakošćan, trumpeters were an indispensable part of court ceremony, contributing to its splendor and dignity. They also played a practical role in organizing events and maintaining order through their music, becoming symbols of cultural tradition, courtly elegance, and noble power – a meeting point of music, ceremony, and aristocratic estate life.

The Harp

The harp is one of the oldest string instruments in human history. In its earlier forms, the strings were stretched diagonally, while in modern versions they are placed vertically.

Since ancient times, the harp has been associated with social prestige and artistic refinement due to the difficulty of mastering it. Its music accompanied receptions, banquets, dances, and audiences, transcending its role as a musical instrument to become a symbol of culture, sophistication, and grace.

It is therefore unsurprising that artistic depictions of the harp are often linked to nobility and courts representing harmony, intellect, and cultural excellence.

The Importance of Dance

In royal and noble residences, dance played multiple roles – it was far more than mere entertainment. It served as a ritual of social connection and communication.

At formal balls, the order of dances was strictly determined and represented a public act, revealing both elegance and the intentions of dance partners – from courtship to strategic alliances. For noblemen and women, dancing was often an opportunity to meet, observe, and assess social and rhetorical abilities.

Mastery of dance was considered a crucial part of cultural education, and behavior at balls reflected one’s refinement. Dancing thus became a social instrument for achieving prestige and alliances, a mirror of aristocratic sophistication.

PANEL 5:

Knights

During the Middle Ages and early modern period, knights embodied the ideal of the warrior and nobleman – a blend of martial skill and moral virtue. Their status was deeply rooted in the feudal order.

Equipped with armor, lances, and swords, knights took part in military campaigns, tournaments, and ceremonies that demonstrated their skill and loyalty to their lord.

Their code of honor required fidelity, courage, respect, and the protection of the weak, making knighthood a moral foundation of the noble class. Through their deeds, knights maintained order within the feudal system and defended territories and castles, becoming subjects of art and heraldry.
They symbolized bravery and loyalty, and their lives inspired countless depictions and legends. With the rise of firearms in the early modern period, the knight’s battlefield role declined, but their code continued to distinguish them from the common people, preserving the memory of discipline and moral strength that defined their elevated social status.

PANEL 6:

Soldiers

In the 18th century, soldiers embodied security and upheld political order. Their appearance, weaponry, and discipline reflected not only military standards but also the social hierarchy of the time.

For the first time, uniforms were standardized – often richly decorated, bearing insignia of rank and unit – becoming symbols of prestige and belonging to a specific social or military order.

Soldiers played multiple roles: they participated in wars and conflicts, protected noble estates, and acted as keepers of public order. Nobles themselves often wore ceremonial military uniforms at formal events.

Within noble estates, soldiers guarded entrances, escorted masters, or participated in processions, visibly representing the power and wealth of the family they served.

Cannons

Since the 15th century, cannons have represented a key element of military power, gaining even greater importance during the early modern era. The invention of artillery made it possible to attack forts more effectively and strengthened the defense of castles and walled towns.

Possession and use of cannons on noble estates symbolized power, technological advancement, and political influence. Trakošćan Castle preserves a notable collection of cannons from various periods – some used in defense, others in warfare against Napoleon.

Their presence in castle architecture testifies to the strategic importance of the estate and to the high social standing of its owners. Through the evolution of artillery, one can trace the broader transformation of warfare and tactics across the centuries.

Countess

The countess often held an indispensable role in managing the household. While the count oversaw political and economic affairs, the countess supervised the internal functioning of the home. Her authority extended over the entire staff – from cooks and maids to governesses and tutors.

She made key decisions regarding food, domestic organization, events and appointed trusted servants to coordinate the household and maintenance of the castle. Alongside her husband, she maintained social connections with other influential families and oversaw the education of their children.

Countesses were frequently patrons of the arts and custodians of tradition and custom. Her behavior reflected the family’s reputation, even if her work often remained invisible to the public eye.

Count

The count was the supreme authority whose responsibility and honor extended beyond the castle walls. He managed estates, forests, villages, and revenues forming the economic foundation of the noble household.

As a representative of his class, he participated in high political affairs – whether at the royal court or in parliamentary assemblies. Militarily, since the Middle Ages, a count was expected to gather and lead troops to defend his own or his liege’s land.

Beyond these duties, the count was also the central figure of domestic and social life. Under his name, hunts, balls, and receptions were organized. His bearing, conduct, and hospitality represented the entire household.

In short, counts were guarantors of stability, protection, continuity and prosperity, reputation and culture of a noble family often depended on their character and ability.