Go52

The civic association Castellum Cassovia has been attracting people interested in history, culture, and cultural heritage. The members of the association prepared events focused mainly on the history of the Hungarian Empire at the end of the 14th century. During them, they showcase ceremonies and events of civil life in the late Middle Ages. The Celebration of the Granting of the Coat of Arms to the City of Košice is especially well-known, an event that commemorates one of the most important events of the city. For the younger audience, there are held summer camps providing a closer look at life during the Middle Ages. Since 2014, the Archers of Sir de Peren - enthusiasts dedicated to historical archery - have also been operating at the Košice Castle.

Ľuboš Porada, chairman of the Castellum Cassovia Civic Association and Košice Castle castellan adds: „Our civic association was established in 2011 when the restoration of the National Cultural Monument Košice Castle was started. The few preserved walls and footprints of buildings of the original castle serve as a backdrop for the presentation of period crafts. We give life to the monument by taking visitors back into history - 700 years back. The Košice Castle is quite a mysterious place but most of its remnants are underground. Visitors therefore cannot see the Košice Castle as a whole, as it is overgrown with trees. Nevertheless, we do try to draw attention to its attractions - a triangular tower, of which there are only seven in Europe or a residential cylindrical tower at the edge of the castle. We attempt to immerse the visitors in the Middle Ages in a way that enables them to experience their atmosphere. Several of our festivals are focused on tournament martial arts, music, or medieval cuisine. There is an exhibition of medieval clothing in the Information Centre of Košice Castle. The visitors can even dress up in period clothing and, through medieval crafts, get involved in the work around the castle. It, therefore, becomes a sort of active recreation. All of this is just one of the ways we are trying to promote this national cultural monument, to breathe new life into it, and also to increase the local patriotism of the people of Košice. Our strife to achieve the greatest possible level of authenticity in this historic place is especially attractive for young people. After all, we are losing craftsmen and period crafts in general. Here they can get very close to these crafts and develop a relationship with them. They will also realize that our historical continuity extends beyond the medieval Hungarian culture, its crafts and way of life.“

Back to the Past

Living stories