Best Medieval Festivals in Europe

This year, why not experience the thrill of returning to the medieval period in one of the many festivals held in Europe? FYI – I’ve updated this blog post for 2025. Now my personal favourite is the Viagem Medieval in northern Portugal but there are plenty to choose from!

Viagem Medieval – Santa Maria da Feira – Portugal

I’ve been three times to this medieval festival and can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a tough one to beat. The highlight is a full-scale medieval battle between Templars and Moors played out in front of thousands of people. The entire town is taken over by medieval cosplay on an epic scale. Overlooking Santa Maria da Feira is a genuine medieval castle which, last time I visited, put on a very scary ghost experience at night.

I whipped out my iPhone to capture the pitched battle on my last visit to the Viagem Medieval – forgive the quality of the footage but you get the idea!

Medeltidsveckan – Gotland – Sweden

This is Sweden’s biggest historical festival, attracting around 40,000 visitors annually to the island of Gotland. It takes place every summer in Visby, Gotland, for eight days, starting on Sunday, August 3rd and ending on Sunday, August 10th in 2025.

This medieval festival includes markets, re-enactments, taverns, fire shows, and parades – all themed for that period of history. You are advised to stay at the “medieval campsite”, just a few minutes away from the festival. Medeltidsveckan has been organized since 1984 and is a joyful celebration of Visby’s and Gotland’s unique medieval heritage.

Monteriggioni – Tuscany – Italy

I’ve been to Tuscany to visit its beautiful medieval heritage but must confess – I have not been to the Monteriggioni festival. That is a glaring omission on my part. One very appealing aspect is that the festival kicks off with a banquet at the castle – though this is ticket entrance only. The village of Monteriggioni is very close to Siena with its incredible cathedral. Watch the video below for more details.

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Tewkesbury Medieval Festival – Tewkesbury – England

This is the largest completely free medieval gathering in Europe and the top event is a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, fought in 1471. There is a strong educational element at this festival and visitors are invited to join the opposing armies before they do battle to watch their preparations close up. At the medieval market, you can buy everything from a suit of armour to a bag of curative herbs.

Festival of the Middle Ages – Provins – France

Dances, music, games, jousting in the heart of France. As with the Viagem Medieval in Portugal – they choose a different story from medieval history as that year’s theme. Provins has stunning medieval architecture, which you would want to visit any time during the year.

You can see the town’s monuments or attend the shows “La Légende des Chevaliers” and “Les Aigles des Remparts” during the Médiévales de Provins. There is a charge for these activities, which are not included in the ticket for the Médiévales de Provins.

Sparrenburg Festival – Germany

Head over to Germany this July and attend its great medieval festival held within Sparrenburg Castle – built by the Counts of Ravensberg in the 13th century. The Sparrenburgfest – as it is called in German – attracts minstrels, jugglers, and medieval-style entertainers.

If you would like to know more about the Knights Templar, then get your hands on a copy of my book: The Knights Templar – History & Mystery. Published by Pen & Sword and available on Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and WHSmith. Don’t miss out on your copy!