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Petr ZrinskiyCroatian politician and public figure
Date of Birth: 06.06.1621
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Petar Zrinski: Croatian Patriot and Martyr
- Rise to Banhood
- Zrinski-Frankopan Alliance
- Zrinski-Frankopan Conspiracy
- Imprisonment and Execution
- Legacy as Croatian Heroes
Petar Zrinski: Croatian Patriot and Martyr
Petar Zrinski, a prominent Croatian politician and public figure, was born in Vrbovec. His father, a ban (viceroy) of Croatia from 1622 to 1626, died when Petar was only five years old.
Rise to Banhood
In 1647, Petar's older brother Nikola became ban of Croatia. After Nikola's tragic hunting accident in 1664, Petar inherited the title.
Zrinski-Frankopan Alliance
The Zrinskis and Frankopans, two of Croatia's most powerful noble families, had a long history of intermarriage. Petar married Anna Katarina Frankopan, the half-sister of Fran Krsto Frankopan. Petar's family castle was in Čakovec.
Zrinski-Frankopan Conspiracy
Petar and Fran Krsto Frankopan became the leaders of the Zrinski-Frankopan conspiracy, a movement to overthrow Habsburg rule in Croatia. However, they failed to secure foreign support and the uprising was quashed.
Imprisonment and Execution
Their plot discovered, Petar and Fran Krsto traveled to Vienna to seek pardon. They were arrested and tried for treason. On April 30, 1671, they were beheaded in Wiener Neustadt.
Legacy as Croatian Heroes
After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Petar Zrinski's and Fran Krsto Frankopan's remains were reburied in Zagreb Cathedral. They are revered today as heroes of Croatian independence. Their portraits once adorned the 5 kuna banknote.
