Knights at Devín

The popular event Knights on Devín returns to Bratislava this summer, this time you can admire the knightly duels and times past on August 3 and September 7, 2024 on Devín.

We invite you to a real journey in time – after all, we will be transported from one period to another by about 1400 years!

Programme 3 August 2024:

10,00 – Opening of the gates of Devín Castle

11,00 – Yoklama – Janissaries’ exercise

Demonstrations of combat readiness by the Janissaries – the cream of the Ottoman army. Complemented by a brief explanation of the different types of soldiers.

12,00 – Hungarian Simplicissimus

A story based on a Renaissance autobiographical novel by a young man who lived in Slovakia in the 17th century and experienced various adventures there.

13,00 – Medieval dances

Is it possible to win love by dancing? A fairytale story from the background of simple folk, full of dancing, dreaming and magic.

14,00 – God’s Judgements

A fencing and theatrical performance from the medieval period about the judicial system of the time and the resolution of disputes through duels and “divine courts”.

15,00 – Magic window

A hilarious and witty magician who will entertain young and old alike.

16,00 – Medieval Knight Tournament

A knightly tournament from the second half of the 14th century, where not only the knights but also their horses are dressed in colourful garments decorated with heraldic symbols. A jester accompanies the tournament in verse, commenting on the various knightly disciplines and the final knightly cursing with the clogs. The atmosphere of medieval jousting will leave no spectator cold!

17,30 – Recital of period music, prose and poetry

A selection of prose and poetry performed by master swordsman Peter Koza, accompanied by live music from the period.

18,30 – Closing ceremony

full of fencing duels, dancing and waving flags

19,00 – Closing of the event and closing of the castle

Programme 7 September 2024:

10,00 – Opening of the gates of Devín Castle

11,00 – Exercise of Roman legionaries

Demonstration of combat readiness of the Roman legion, exercises on commands, throwing the javelin – pill. You will see the “tortoise” and different types of soldiers and their armament.

12,00 – Ancient dances

Dances stylized to the environment of ancient Rome, as they might have been performed during Roman festivals or temple ceremonies.

13,00 – Hungarian Simplicissimus

A story based on a Renaissance autobiographical novel by a young man who lived in Slovakia in the 17th century and experienced various adventures there.

14,00 – Magic Window

A hilarious and witty magician who will entertain young and old alike.

15,00 – Hungarian Knight Tournament

A knightly tournament organised on the occasion of the conclusion of peace with the Ottoman Empire. A story inspired by the authentic events of the so-called “Peace of Zittau”, which was concluded by the Palatine Thurzo. The individual participants of the tournament have their prefigurements in real historical personalities of Hungarian history. However, the confrontation of different cultures does not remain only with the peaceful measurement of strength in the individual equestrian and infantry disciplines.

16,30 – Recital of contemporary music, prose and poetry

A selection of prose and poetry performed by master swordsman Peter Koza, accompanied by live music from the period.

17,30 – Closing ceremony

full of fencing duels, dancing and flags flying

18,00 – Closing of the event and closing of the castle

Throughout the day there will be all sorts of fun and games:

🏹 shooting range with bows, crossbows and knife throwing
🐎 riding on a live and wooden horse
🦄 children’s corner with various games (catapult, stilts, throwing rings at unicorns, throwing rings at swords, throwing balls at the dragon)
🥨 craft and sales stalls, refreshment stand

After buying a ticket, besides the performances, you can also see the whole castle area with all its beautiful corners and interesting exhibitions.

You can buy tickets on the day of the event directly at the ticket office at the entrance to Devín Castle or without waiting online in advance.

Large family (2 adults and 1-3 children): 27€
small family (1 adult and 1-2 children): 15€
Basic: 12€
discounted: 6€

Please note that there is a no-dog policy at Devín Castle, with the exception of a guide dog for the visually impaired.

Place: Devín Castle
Date: Saturday, August 3 , 2024 and September 07, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Entrance: 6 – 12 €

Find all tips for the WHAT TO DO IN BRATISLAVA.