THE TRADITIONAL

ERASMUS KNIGHTS' TOURNAMENT

The Erasmus Tournament in Predjama is based on records and illustrations from the 16th century and other sources that teach us about the period. The reason we have chosen this period is that the Predjama Castle that we see today acquired its present appearance in 1583 when the Renaissance entrance tower was built.

The Erasmus Tournament in Predjama is an event that involves several different classes – nobles, serfs and children. Bold knights – archers, swordsmen and horsemen – show off their skills on the Field of Combat (morning and afternoon). In the Knights' Camp, swordsmen introduce themselves, their equipment and their medieval way of life (all day). The main characters at the event are Erasmus of Predjama, the most famous inhabitant of the castle, his friend Andreas Baumkirchner, the commander who saved Vienna from the Turks, and Bishop Piccolomini (who would later become Pope Pius II), who consecrated the chapel in Predjama.

A peasant festivity, known as a gauda, with eating and drinking, contests and entertainment suitable for the 'lower orders' takes place on the Meadow by the Mill. Children have their own special area Behind the Castle Granary with their own games and tournament and creative workshops. Entertainment will include a magician, comedians and a puppet show, while the more industrious can even have a go at making puppets themselves. Throughout the day people dressed in the costumes of the age will wander around the different areas. Master craftsmen will demonstrate their skills. The Square by Erasmus' Linden will be particularly lively. This year two attractive belly dancers will join the various performers.

A special feature of the Tournament every year is the Medieval Banquet, which includes dishes prepared using original medieval recipes and served just as they were five hundred years ago. We encourage visitors to participate in the events and also direct their attention to the equipment, clothes and weapons of the performers, to the drums, the carts for the music and games, the decorated arena, the flags, the coats of arms and so on. Everything has been designed according to documented models from the 16th century.

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