by brian pozun, april 2003

Throughout the summer, Slovenia will offer a wide range of festivals – but among the most interesting and popular are medieval festivals. Life in the Middle Ages is recreated in several towns throughout the country, most often against the vivid backdrop of a medieval town center or castle.

Medieval festivals will be held in Postojna (at Predjamski grad), Celje, Ljubljana, and elsewhere, but two towns’ festivals – those of Kamnik and of Škofja loka – are the most prominent. Both towns are part of an international project called "Venerina Pot," the Path of Venus.

Several years ago, a professor at Klagenfurt University in Austria was inspired to organize a reenactment of the poem "Path of Venus," written by Styrian knight Ulrich von Liechtenstein in the 13^th century. The poem tells the story of von Liechtenstein’s travels, dressed as the goddess Venus, through 52 towns in Central Europe, fighting in tournaments all along the way.

Today, towns in Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy and Slovenia are all involved. Von Liechtenstein traveled through six towns in what is today Slovenia: Brestanica, Štanjel, Postojna, Ljubljana, Kamnik and Škofja loka.

The town of Kamnik was first mentioned in the mid-12^th century, and was established around two castles, Stari and Mali grad. Its location on the trade route between the Adriatic coast and the Pannonian plain ensured its importance as a market town. Starting in 1501, Kamnik was awarded a special privilege to hold a fair on the day of St. Primož and Felicijan (June 9).

Kamnik joined the Path of Venus in 1997. This year, the event will be held on 7 and 8 June. The centerpiece is a medieval market, complete with wandering minstrels and craftsmen demonstrating their trades. Traditional crafts associated with Kamnik, including blacksmithing, leatherworking, furriery and iron working, will all be on display.

But the highlight is undoubtedly the knights’ games. Knights come from all over Slovenia – and sometimes from abroad – to participate. The program is rounded off with medieval song and dance performances. Kamnik has a brand new website, and perhaps a schedule will appear there as the event draws closer.

Not far away is the town of Škofja loka, one of the oldest settlements in Slovenia. Though the town itself dates to 1274, an earthquake hit the town and its castle hard in 1511, but restoration was quick, and today the town has one of the best-preserved medieval centers in the country. The castle is home to the Škofja loka Museum.

Škofja loka has participated in the Path of Venus since 1998. The program is similar to that of Kamnik. The medieval market also highlights local crafts, such as the making of Škofja loka paper, pottery, woodcarving, lace making, weaving, blacksmithing, and candle making. Like in Kamnik, minstrels, fire-eaters, and a town caller all wander the marketplace.

One of the highlights of this festival, however, is the recreation of a medieval wedding celebration. There are also knight tournaments featuring archery and sword fighting, as well as special activities for children. Check the official website for the full schedule.

Neither Kamnik nor Škofja loka are far from Ljubljana, and trains and busses run frequently.

Complementing the summer’s medieval festivals is the annual Festival Brežice, one of the most important medieval music showcases in Europe. The festival will run from 18 June to 18 August 2003, and will feature performers from 14 countries. The program includes 39 events at 13 locations around the country, including historical sites in Brežice, Brestanica, Sevnica, Novo Mesto, Konstanjevica na Krki, and Ljubljana.

Testifying to the festival’s importance is sponsorship by the European Union; the EU Baroque Orchestra will perform at the festival’s opening concert. A free bus will provide transportation from Ljubljana to key concerts. More information can be found at the festival’s homepage,

Medieval Festivals in Slovenia, 2003

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