Knights on Devín – Roman Legions and Hungarian-Ottoman Battles
The Society of Ancient Martial Arts and Crafts invites the noble nobility to Devín Castle to respectfully get acquainted with the period of the Middle Ages.
Young or old, everyone sometimes needs an escape from reality and a return to ancient times. This time you can go back in time by about 1400 years. The national symbol above the confluence of the Moravia and the Danube will be dressed in an ancient garb and atmosphere, in which you will uncover something from the period’s customs and ways of fighting.
Throughout the day, you can have fun with various pastimes, including shooting with a bow or crossbow or throwing knives, ride your children on a wooden or live horse, but also play in the children’s corner with various games. There will also be a number of craft stalls.
The main point of the day-long program will be the phenomenal Hungarian knight tournament, in which representatives of Hungary and the Ottoman Empire will compete. The initial friendly test of strength and demonstration of skill will result in foot and horse battles, where it will be a matter of defending honor and intimidating your old rival. Come and see a story inspired by real events and personalities.
The program:
♣️ 10.00 – Opening of the gates of Devín Castle
♣️ 11.00 – Exercise of Roman legionnaires
Demonstration of the combat readiness of the Roman legion, exercises on commands, throwing a spear – pilla. You will see the “turtle” as well as different types of soldiers and their equipment.
♣️ 12.00 – Ancient dances
Dances stylized in the environment of ancient Rome, such as could be performed at Roman festivals or temple ceremonies.
♣️ 13.00 – Hungarian Simplicissimus
The story is based on the themes of the Renaissance autobiographical novel of a young man who lived in Slovakia in the 17th century and experienced various adventures there.
♣️ 14.00 – Magic window
A cheerful and funny magician who will entertain both young and old.
♣️ 15.00 – Hungarian knight tournament
A knight’s tournament held at the conclusion of peace with the Ottoman Empire. A story inspired by an authentic event during the establishment of the so-called “Peace of Žitav”, concluded by Palatine Thurzo.
The individual participants of the tournament are modeled on real historical figures of Hungarian history. However, the confrontation of different cultures will not remain only in the peaceful measurement of strength in individual riding and walking disciplines.
♣️ 16.30 – Recital of period music, prose and poetry
A selection of prose and poetry presented by fencing master Petr Koza, supplemented by live music from the given period.
♣️ 17.30 – Final ceremony full of fencing fights, dancing and waving flags
♣️ 18.00 – End of the event and closing of the castle
The following will be available throughout the day:
🏹shooting range with bows, crossbows and throwing knives
🏇🏼riding on a live and wooden horse
🦄 Children’s corner with various games (catapult, stilts, throwing rings at a unicorn, throwing rings at swords, throwing balls at a dragon)
🥨craft and sales stalls, snack stand
Tickets:
After buying a ticket, in addition to the performances, you can also see the entire area of the castle with all its beautiful corners and interesting exhibits.
You can buy tickets on the day of the event directly at the ticket office at the entrance to Devín Castle or without waiting online in advance.
♠️ large family (2 adults and 1-3 children): €27
♠️ small family (1 adult and 1-2 children): €15
♠️ basic: €12
♠️ discounted: €6
At Devín Castle, entry with a dog is prohibited, with the exception of a guide dog for the visually impaired.
