The festival of historical reconstruction and Slavic culture "Gnezdovo-2015"
On August 1-2, 2015 the "Gnezdovo" museum-reserve (Gnezdovo archaeological complex, Smolensk) will host a festival of historical reconstruction and Slavic culture "Gnezdovo-2015".
The "Gnezdovo" Festival is the only festival of early medieval period (the Viking period) in Smolensk region and is organized by the "Gnezdovo" museum-reserve together with the Culture Hall in the Gnezdovo mini-district of Smolensk, with the support of the Culture and Tourism Department of Smolensk region, the Culture and Tourism Directorate of the Smolensk City Administration and with the informational support of the "Smolensky terem" Touristic visit-center.
The main idea of the festival is the historical reconstruction of the “druzhina” culture and living conditions of the population in Gnezdovo - one of the largest early urban centers of ancient Rus.
The festival is aimed at promoting the historical and cultural significance of the world famous monument – the Gnezdovso archaeological complex, and at raising public awareness of the problem of its conservation.
Holding the festival directly at the Gnezdovo archaeological complex creates for participants and spectators a unique atmosphere, and lets them feel involved in the historical events of the distant past.
Here you will be able to learn about the history, culture and way of life of the population of ancient Russia and its neighbors - the Scandinavians, Balts, steppe and other peoples - during the early Middle Ages (IX-X centuries) on the basis of archaeological findings, art and narrative sources:
• to visit the reconstructed military field camps of the IX-XI centuries;
• to witness the individual tournaments, fight of fives, mass battle;
• to appreciate the skills of the fighters from the historical clubs during the performance;
• to practice archery, throwing the Sulitsa spear at the medieval shooting range;
• to take fencing lessons at the specially equipped grounds;
• to take part in workshops, craft experiments, competitions, and games;
• to taste medieval dishes;
• to listen to medieval music performed by the bands “Teufelstanz”, “Lity Taler”, and “Triquetrum”;
• to buy authentic souvenir.
During the days of the festival there will be tours of the Gnezdovo archaeological complex.
For further information about the festival: