Karlstein Living History Festival

A three days long festival near great Karlstein Castle will present life in middle ages, in the age of Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. More than two hundered participants will create an authentic medieval spirit and show.

  • Charles IV

  • Homage ceremony

  • Nobility

  • Tavern

  • Spirituality

  • Merchant

  • Traveling in medieval times

  • Farrier

  • Quintain - „Living History for Schools“

  • Quintain - „Living History for Schools“

  • Coronation - „Living History for Schools“

  • Coronation - „Living History for Schools“

  • Exhibition of our handmade equipment

  • Fashion in the Middle Ages workshop

EUR 1,438
pledged of EUR 5,664

25%

25% completed

62 contributors pledged

Vodafone Foundation

Karlštejn, Středočeský kraj, Česká republika

All or nothing. Project finished on Jun 19, 2016 at 11:39.

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Charles IV. Celebrates His Birthday

This year is the 700th anniversary of the birth of Charles IV., Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia.  This ruler was one of the most significant figures of Czech history and he remains, until this day, a man whom we can truly be proud of. We believe that such a person deserves a great celebration that would remind the public of who he really was and what were the times, during which he lived, like.

Our goal is maximal historical accuracy in re-enactment of the times of Charles IV. However, we also want to show the visitors something they could not have seen before. What was the 14th century really like according to the latest finds and studies? You might be surprised to learn that it was all quite different from what you can see at various "historical" events or in movies.

Get ready for AUTHENTIC Middle Ages!

Korunovace Karal IV.

Who Are We?

Our society, Doba Karlova, unites more than 50 members from all over Czech Republic. Some of us are students of history, archaeologists, historians, teachers, stuntmen, but we also have people of many other professions. However, we all share the passion for history and particularly for the times of Charles IV.

We have been studying the times of Charles IV systematically since year 2009. We try to learn about it as much as possible and then show how people lived in medieval times. For us, studying the Middle Ages is not just a matter of getting the right costumes, but also understanding the military spirit of the era, crafts, art, law, everyday life and most of all, respect for the people and times we try to portray. The Middle Ages had not been as dark as many film makers want to make us believe.

Lenní přísaha

So far, we have completed numerous projects in which we tried to show authentic life in 14th century. We have filmed a short movie about Charles IV, which is called „The Chronicles of Charles IV´s Life“ and is a part of interactive guide through Prague called „ Prague Chronicles“. We have also participated in the creation of several publications, of which a booklet titled „Traveling In Medieval Times – The Medieval Traveller’s Handbook“ is available from the Internet. Every year we organise various public performances and lectures. This year we also held a conference at Castle Spilberk in Brno and we gained support for our successful educational programme titled „Living History for Schools“. During this programme we visit 20 Czech schools and explain to the children what was life in Middle Ages really like.

What Are We Preparing For Charles´ Birthday?

We are preparing for you a three days long festival of Living History where you will be able to see and experience the times of Charles IV. We managed to secure a beautiful location of the Imperial Meadow directly by the biggest castle built by Charles IV. You will see there a grand open air theatre showing scenes from the life of Charles IV, reconstruction of a medieval battle, exhibition of medieval crafts, military camp, military tactics, cooking, fashion and many other aspects of life in 14th century. You will also be able to listen to music which could have been played directly for the king, see dances which he could have danced and play games which he also could play. Your guides will be professional historians who will present their latest finds and our craftsmen, who will teach you their skills in special workshops. You will also be able to play many medieval games, including the popular game of Soule

Our festival is not just for the adult visitors. On Friday, we have included our holiday version of the „Living History for Schools“, which will take place directly in the middle of the meadow and will be open for all schoolers. You can look forward to all of this and more, all at the highest level of authenticity provided by us andother living-history groups from all over Europe.

Support From Vodafone Foundation

Our project has already gained the support of Vodafone Foundation. Now, we are asking for your support too. Why? The Vodafone Foundation promised to double the amount you donate to us! That is right. We get one more crown for every crown we collect from you! Isn´t it great? 

So join us and let´s celebrate Charles´ Birthday together!

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 6
    Voluntary payment for entry to the festival

    Join our friends to support us through voluntary payment for entry to the festival. It might be thanks the you that we will be able to introduce Middle Ages to the general public!

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 3.95
    (CZK 100)
  • sold 12
    Voluntary payment for entry + memorial coin

    Join our friends to support us through voluntary payment for entry to the festival. It might be thanks the you that we will be able to introduce Middle Ages to the general public! On top of that, you will get a memorial medieval coin called Parvus. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 11.86
    (CZK 300)
  • remaining 488 from 500
    Magic Penny

    This medieval Penny coin from the times of Charles IV will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. Of course, you will keep the Penny when the festival is over. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 19.76
    (CZK 500)
  • remaining 477 from 500
    Medieval tin pilgrim´s badge

    Get a replica tin pilgrim badge from the times of Charles IV with the figure of the Emperor himself!

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 19.76
    (CZK 500)
  • remaining 100 from 100
    Medieval deed with a seal + magic Penny

    The Prague´s Highest Burgrave will personally thank you in this sealed letter.
    The magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.52
    (CZK 1,000)
  • remaining 497 from 500
    Wall calendar sized A3 for year 2017

    A beautiful, full colour calendar with the best photos of our Doba Karlova society, including the best shots from the Karstejn festival!
    The magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.52
    (CZK 1,000)
  • remaining 4 from 6
    Gamble with the soldiers + magic Penny

    Play a medieval gambling game called the House of Luck with the soldiers and win all their pennies! 
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.52
    (CZK 1,000)
  • remaining 50 from 50
    Guided tour of the medieval camp in English + magic Penny

    A guided tour of the medieval camp with guide dressed in medieval clothes for one person (45 minutes, in English) + The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 79.04
    (CZK 2,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Chess with Prague´s Highest Burgrave + magic Penny

    Play medieval chess with Prague´s Highest Burgrave! Fight him and his miniature army on the chess board and win! (if you can :D ).
    Period food and drinks will be provided!
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 98.79
    (CZK 2,500)
  • remaining 6 from 6
    Medieval person for a day: slinger + magic Penny

    The small and smallest fighters can join the battle too. We will dress them up in medieval clothes and teach them how to use the medieval sling. This is the perfect gift for your children.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 118.55
    (CZK 3,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Medieval person for a day: doctor + magic Penny

    Do you mind seeing blood? If not, you can try to be our medieval doctor. Experience the thrill of military life, save the lives of wounded soldiers; help them directly in the battle!
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 118.55
    (CZK 3,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Medieval person for a day: cook + magic Penny

    Do you like cooking? Would you like to try various medieval dishes? This is your perfect chance! Become a medieval cook for a day and learn all you can from our experienced cooks. 
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 118.55
    (CZK 3,000)
  • remaining 9 from 10
    ​Hand written parchment deed with a seal brought to you by a medieval messenger + magic Penny

    This luxurious deed is hand written using a real quill on a real piece of parchment. In it, the Prague´s Highest Burgrave will personally thank you for your contribution and will give you a unique gift. Will it be a plot of land to start a farm? Or will it be grant of income from the royal pubs and inns? Or will it be something completely different? Who knows. The deed will be delivered to you by a messenger in medieval clothes. (This delivery service is available only in middle Europe)The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 118.55
    (CZK 3,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    VIP seats: movie “Charles IV Chronicles” + magic Penny

    Sit right next to our most famous ruler Charles IV as he watches the screening of the movie directly at the Imperial Meadow of Karlstejn, and enjoy period food and drinks directly from the king´s platter.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 197.59
    (CZK 5,000)
  • remaining 6 from 6
    Medieval person for a day: crossbowman + magic Penny

    Become a crossbowman and enjoy a day full of battles and fights. Our soldiers will turn you into real men. This activity is good for children too! 
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 197.59
    (CZK 5,000)
  • remaining 6 from 6
    Medieval person for a day: spearman + magic Penny

    Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a medieval spearman? Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be part of the medieval battle? This is your chance. We will dress you up, train you and take you to the adrenalin experience of your life.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 197.59
    (CZK 5,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Medieval person for a day: standard-bearer + magic Penny

    Become the standard-bearer in the battle and have the fate of our army in your hands. If you fall, all will be lost.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 197.59
    (CZK 5,000)
  • remaining 6 from 6
    Medieval evening, with dance, music and medieval feast + magic Penny

    A unique chance to experience the unique atmosphere of a real medieval feast organised directly at the courtyard of the Karlstejn castle. The feast will include music, dance and other entertainment. At the time of the feast, the castle is going to be closed for public and will be full of people in medieval clothes! This is a private royal party for the re-enactors and you can be part of it. So feast with us, enjoy yourselves and dance under the watchful eye of medieval dance master. This is the perfect event for couples!
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 395.18
    (CZK 10,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Medieval person for a day: noble lady + magic Penny

    Have you ever wondered what it was like to live a life of luxury? Do you enjoy noble behaviour and etiquette? This is your chance! Become a noble medieval lady for a day and watch all events side by side with our lords and ladies.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 790.36
    (CZK 20,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Play living chess with the Emperor and King Charles IV + magic Penny

    Become the leader of an army of live chessmen and play against Charles IV and his knights. Our fighters will become your chess figures. All you will have to do is issue orders and then watch them fight on a giant chess board.
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 790.36
    (CZK 20,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Medieval person for a day: knight + magic Penny

    Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a real medieval nobleman? Now is your chance to dress in expensive clothes, enjoy the luxury of a real, fully equipped medieval tent, have a sword, armour and servants and in the end, prove your valour in the heat of the battle. Become a knight for the day and enjoy the thrill of your life!
    The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,975.89
    (CZK 50,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Educative programme Living History

    Become an important supporter of the festival and we will reward you with our educative medieval Living History programme for you, your school, or your company anywhere in Czech republic (in English!). Of course, a bag full of magic coind will be added, that will grant you VIP access to every activity within the festival.

     

    Reward delivery: on address, in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,975.89
    (CZK 50,000)
  • remaining 2 from 2
    Educative programme Living History with craftsmen

    Become an important supporter of the festival and we will reward you with our educative medieval Living History programme for you, your school, or your company anywhere in Czech republic (in English!). Along with this programme, you will get medieval craftsmen, such as blacksmith, potter or a crossbow shooting range - free to enjoy. Of course, a bag full of magic coind will be added, that will grant you VIP access to every activity within the festival.

    Reward delivery: on address, in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 3,951.79
    (CZK 100,000)
  • sold 0
    Surprise!

    Do you like surprises? So do we! Join us and support our project. Donate a sum of your own choice and we will reword you with a special gitf. You do not have to be fond of middle ages to support our aims.  If you don't like any of the "medieval" rewards, this is your choice!

    Reward delivery: on address, in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39,517.88
    (CZK 1,000,000)
  • Sold out!!
    Medieval board game + magic Penny

    Hand-made medieval board games Alquerque, Twelve Man Morris and Mancala, with description of the rules. Play them like our ancestors did and keep the games even after the festival is over. The Magic Penny will get you a VIP entry to all activities organised during the festival. 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 79.04
    (CZK 2,000)