Image: Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat/TZ Svetvinčenat
The Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat returns this weekend, transforming the historic town into a living medieval world from 31 July to 2 August 2026. The 14th edition of the three-day event brings together knights, archers, horse riders, falconers, musicians and other costumed performers.
The festival begins at 6 pm each day and continues late into the evening, with a different theme for every festival day: Family Day on Friday, Day of Knighthood on Saturday and Legends Day on Sunday.
Regular ticket prices are €10 for adults and €5 for children.
The main events take place in the Renaissance square, around Morosini-Grimani Castle, and at several other locations throughout the centre of Svetvinčenat. According to the official tourism website, around one hundred costumed performers will take part, recreating everyday life, customs and martial traditions from the Middle Ages.
What to see at the Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat
Visitors can enjoy knightly tournaments, Renaissance sword-fighting demonstrations, archery displays and equestrian performances throughout all three festival days.
Saturday’s programme includes the Morosini-Grimani Knights’ Tournament, a buhurt tournament and a major jousting performance, while Sunday concludes with another torch-lit knights’ tournament and the spectacular finale known as The Castle in Flames.
One of the highlights is the daily falcon and eagle show by the Falconers of St. Bavona from Slovakia. Evening programmes include torch fights and several fire performances by Italian and Croatian groups, with Sunday’s programme ending in a large fire spectacle below the castle.
The programme also features a daily ceremonial procession through the town, flag-bearers from the Palio di Asti, street performers, storytelling and live medieval music. Historical groups and performers are arriving from Croatia, Italy, Slovakia and Hungary.
Medieval market and traditional crafts
The festival is about much more than combat demonstrations. Medieval camps and a traditional market will be open every day from 6 pm to 11 pm, showcasing historic crafts, handmade products and goods inspired by the medieval period.
Visitors can also try medieval games, archery, shooting with siege weapons, calligraphy, sword fighting and a medieval carousel.
They will have the opportunity to see blacksmiths, potters, weavers, leatherworkers and other craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills. Part of the programme is designed especially for children and families, while food and drink inspired by the festival atmosphere will also be available.
A historic setting at Morosini-Grimani Castle
One of the highlights of the Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat is its unique setting. Morosini-Grimani Castle, the Renaissance square and the stone streets of the town provide a natural backdrop for the event.
Inside Morosini-Grimani Castle, the programme includes hourly changing-of-the-guard ceremonies, tournaments, storytelling, medieval music and a medieval tavern.
Located in central Istria, Svetvinčenat is an easy day trip for visitors staying in Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Fažana and other destinations across the peninsula. Most events begin in the evening, when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring and spending time outdoors.
When is the Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat?
The 14th Medieval Festival takes place from Friday, 31 July, to Sunday, 2 August 2026. The official programme begins each day at 6 pm, while the organisers have scheduled the festival to conclude at 11:30 pm on Sunday.
The programme runs simultaneously across three main locations: the medieval camp in the valley below the castle, the main square and Morosini-Grimani Castle. Visitors planning to attend a particular tournament or show should check the daily timetable in advance, as several events take place at overlapping times.
Before travelling, visitors are advised to check the latest daily programme, ticket prices and any schedule changes through the organisers’ official channels.
Travelling to the Medieval Festival in Svetvinčenat by car? Heavy traffic is expected across Croatia this weekend, particularly on routes towards the coast. Read more in Heavy Traffic Expected Across Croatia During the Holiday Period.
