The festival of historical reconstruction and early medieval culture 'Gnezdovo - 2013"

The celebrations dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of Smolensk moved from the municipalities directly to the regional center. More than a thousand-year history of the capital of the region encourages us to turn to the first days of one of the oldest Russian cities.

The Historical-Archaeological and Natural Museum-Reserve "Gnezdovo" together with the club of historical reconstruction "Varyazhskaya druzhina” organized the II Annual festival of historical reconstruction and early medieval culture “Gnezdovo - 2013".

For two days Smolensk people and guests got acquainted with the history, culture and way of life of the population of Ancient Russia and its neighbors - the Nordic, the Baltic, and the Steppe. At the reconstruction there were stalls selling ornaments, weapons and household items of the Slavs. The guests could enjoy original Slavic food and drinks.

Craftsmen conducted workshops in pottery, bone needles knitting, embroidery, patch dolls making, wood carving, blacksmithing, and many more. For children there were entertainment playgrounds “Varyag’s Way" and "Baby Gnezdovo”. Moreover, there were guided tours around Gnezdovo archaeological complex, early medieval costume contest, a concert of medieval music with a fire show and various medieval games and entertainment.

The main idea of the festival is a historical reconstruction of the “druzhina” culture and living conditions of the population of one of the largest early urban centers of Ancient Russia – “Gnezdovo”.