MEDIEVAL TIMES AT ERASMUS KNIGHT'S TOURNAMENT
by Michelle Bienias
The 11th traditional Erasmus Knight's Tournament was held August 20, 2006 with international participants from Slovenia, Italy, the Czech Republic and Serbia. Intrepid photographer Bostjan Burger, just home from his summer vacation in France and a long night drive through northern Italy, gamely set out first thing in the morning to capture the festival.
click here to view fullscreenErasmus Knight's Tournament is held each year at the dramatic and picturesque Predjama Castle, a four story castle built into a 123 metre cliff near Postojna, Slovenia, a setting that would prove to be an ideal stronghold for a certain willful, rebellious 15th century knight - Erazem Jamski – from whom the festival takes its name. The Tournament offers visitors a glimpse of life during the Middle Ages, replete with a medieval market, people in period dress, period food, song and dance. 
click here to view fullscreenThe Tournament is based on records and illustrations from the 16th century, the time period when the castle acquired its current appearance with the Renaissance entrance tower. Different social classes – nobles, serfs and children – are represented while archers, swordsmen and horsemen show off their skills on the Field o Combat. Characters from medieval times are found throughout; in the Knight’s Camp, where swordsmen practice their sport; in the Meadow by the Mill, where serfs eat and drink; and Behind the Castle Granary, where children play games, are entertained by magicians, and can join creative workshops. 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. 
click here to view fullscreenThe Tournament is held each August and visitors are advised to arrive early as it always attracts a large crowd. If visiting Slovenia outside of August, the castle is obviously worth a visit just for its unique cave setting; children might enjoy the lifelike dummies in medieval dress populating the castle. Also visit "Jama pod Predjamskim gradom" the Cave below the Castle. View more of Bostjan Burger’s panoramas of the Erasmus Knight's Tournament.
Visit Bostjan Burger’s VR Tour of Predjama Castle.
Email Bostjan Burger: burger[at]burger[dot]si
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