There is a place in Northwestern Slovenia, which resembles a scene in fairy tale movie. The island is a usual wedding site for its picturesque and ideal appeal.
Bled Island in northwestern Slovenia has a perfect fairy tale set up. The place from an aerial view shows tear-shaped Bled Island and its iconic Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary. The lake is located in a scenic environment, bordered by mountains and forests. The medieval-era Bled Castle stands above the lake on the north shore.
Polytheistic pagans originally used the Bled Island as a temple consecrating Ziva, the Slavic goddess of love and fertility. However, during the local Christians and pagans' war, which ended in AD745 many, was converted to Christianity, the temple's altars were destroyed, and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in its place. The present Baroque iteration of the church has erected since the 17th Century.
To reach the Bled Island, visitors can use a pletna or a gondola-like boat, row or swim and climb a 99-step stairway to the church. Those who make it all the way to the upper rooftop you will encounter the wishing bell. Stories have it that ringing the bell three times in Bled Island will make your dreams come true.
According to island legends, the bell's power to grant wishes stems from the heartrending story of the widow Poliksena, who lived on Bled Island in the 16th Century. She collected her gold and silver and cast a bell in memory of her dead husband. A dreadful storm, however, sank the bell, the boat, and the boatmen while it was being delivered. Heartbroken, the widow moved to Rome and converted to a nun.
The reigning Pope at the time of her death was Pope Clement VII, heard of her hard luck and out of compassion cast a new bell for her. It was his pronouncement that anyone who rang the bell three times and believed in God would have his or her wish granted.
At present, however, the Bled Island is a happier paradise. It serves as a popular venue for weddings and other events. Traditions, however, are still observed in the place. To ensure a long and happy marriage, the groom must bring his bride up the 99 steps to the church in Bled Island, says, BBC.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
