Between 10 and 12 July 2026, Visegrád hosted the 41st International Palace Games, Hungary's oldest medieval reenactment festival and one of the most prestigious historical events in Central Europe. Established in 1985, the festival commemorates the historic Royal Summit of Visegrád in 1335, one of medieval Europe's most significant diplomatic gatherings. This year's edition carried special significance as it also celebrated the 700th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Saint George and the 700th anniversary of the birth of King Nagy Lajos (Louis the Great).
For three days, Visegrád once again became a living medieval town. Royal processions, knightly tournaments, battle reenactments, a medieval marketplace, period music and historical demonstrations brought to life one of the most glorious eras of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary. Each year the festival welcomes more than a thousand historical reenactors from Hungary and several European countries, making it one of the region's leading medieval heritage events.
Our Grand Priory proudly represented
The historical reenactment members of the Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania once again represented our community with distinction. As members of the Order of the Golden Griffin (Arany Griff Rend), three of our knights and one squire took part in the festival, contributing to an expanded medieval military encampment.
The historical reenactment members of the Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania once again represented our community with distinction. As members of the Order of the Golden Griffin (Arany Griff Rend), three of our knights and one squire took part in the festival, contributing to an expanded medieval military encampment. The 13-member group brought together several generations of reenactors, including experienced participants, knights, a squire, ladies of the court and young pages, all working together to present medieval knightly culture as authentically as possible. Their camp featured newly crafted painted pavises, a large period-style shelter and other historically accurate equipment that further enriched the authentic atmosphere of the encampment.
Bringing history to life
Our knights accompanied the royal procession wearing traditional black wool cloaks or Gothic armour and actively participated in the tournament battles and staged combat scenes throughout the festival.
Yet the Palace Games are much more than a spectacular historical festival. For the participating reenactment groups, they provide an annual opportunity to strengthen friendships, exchange professional experience and cooperate in achieving ever more accurate reconstructions of medieval clothing, armour and everyday life.
The bustling medieval marketplace, the vibrant Royal Palace, the clash of swords, tournament competitions, period music and countless demonstrations together create an unforgettable journey into the world of medieval Hungary.
Preserving tradition as a form of service
For the Grand Priory of Southern Transylvania, historical reenactment is far more than public performance. It is an important way of preserving and passing on our shared cultural heritage in an authentic and engaging manner.
We are proud that our members represented our community at the International Palace Games for the fourth time, contributing to keeping the values of medieval knighthood alive for present and future generations.
History remains alive only when we do more than remember it - we pass it on to those who come after us.
