Siguisoara Medieval Festival
Dost thou knowest the time? Perchance dusk in the Middle Ages when orders of medieval knights roamed Europe on the way back from the Crusades. Verily, in July the beauteous Romanian city of Siguisoara will host open-air concerts, parades and ceremonies meant to glorify medieval Transylvania. By my troth, the town turns clocks back to its splendid origins a goodly length in times past... the 12th century! Let us go thither.
Fireworks, chivalry tournaments, archery and gigs bring Romania's largest medieval festival to life for 3 marvelous days. The archaic streets, the castle that raises above the citadel and its ancient walls complement the air of the olden days.
Endless picturesque events take place in evocatively titled squares: Knight's, Little Knight's, Troubadour's, Pilgrim's and Mercenaries', plus the Chronicler's House and Blacksmith's Tower. Each night ends with a torchlit parade, on Friday and Sunday at 11pm while fireworks fill the town with splendour and magic on Saturday night.
Visitors can buy medieval crafts of Romania, and indulge themselves in some traditional dishes such as Goulash. Cultural events include theatre, handicraft demonstrations and exhibitions, painting, sculpture, seminars, film projections, among others.
Located in the historic region of Transylvania, Central Siguisoara has preserved in an admirable way the features of a small medieval fortified city. For that reason, it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is precisely its well preserved walled structure what attracts a considerable amount of tourists of Siguisoara. Namely, during the Medieval Festival, more than 30,000 tourists visit the citadel, doubling its population.
Wench, beakers all round! Mayhap I will fetch the ale.