The weapons are no longer silent in Byczyna, where Vitezovi Zelingradski (the Knights of Zelingrad) and knights from Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Italy, Belarus, and Ukraine are reenacting a medieval joust these days: Międzynarodowego Turnieju Rycerskiego. The festivities opened today at 11:00 with the arrival of the knights, and will end Easter Sunday with a demonstration of medieval artillery.
With a rich and diverse programme, the event appeals to all ages: there will be workshops and lectures, but also archery tournaments, Oriental belly dancing and the crowning of a princess dancer, Irish dance, concerts by various international groups, and even a medieval fair, selling period-specific arts and crafts.
Photo by Romuald Sołdek, courtesy http://www.byczyna.pl/
For those who happen to spend their holidays in Warsaw, Poland, Byczyna is a four hour drive away – more than a day trip, but well worth it. Byczyna is closer to Wroclaw and Czestochowa (less than two hours). The town has preserved much of its original appearance, especially its historic town center still reminds of its medieval origin. Aside the medieval tournament, you are encouraged to visit some of Byczyna’s main landmarks: the Baroque church of the Holy Trinity; the Saint Nicolaus evangelic church; the German tower gate; the Ramparts, which are almost intact; the cemetery chapel St. Jadwigi; and the neo-Gothic granary located at the exit of the old part of the city, adjacent to the city walls.
