The Zrinski and Frankopan dynasties are among the most famous Croatian noble families, who for centuries fought vigorously to protect their homeland and fellow countrymen against foreign aggressors. They are hailed as Croatian national heroes, who selflessly gave their lives for the love of their country.  

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Their ultimate demise came after a failed movement to liberate Croatia and Hungary from Habsburg rule, with Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan at the helm for Croatia. Both Croatian knights voluntarily went to the Habsburg court to seek a pardon for the rebellion, but were arrested, imprisoned and ultimately executed on April 30, 1671. Prior to his death, Petar Zrinski wrote a farewell letter to his beloved Katarina (née Frankopan), which is considered to be one of the most beautiful love letters in history.

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The two Croatian martyrs are buried in the Zagreb cathedral, with the following epitaph engraved on their tombstone: "Navik on živi ki zgine pošteno". These are the famous words of the late poet and count Fran Krsto Frankopan, which mean: “He who dies honourably, lives forever”.