Crana Historica – Festival of History

The Festung Rosenberg – a formidable landmark

The Festung Rosenberg above Kronach is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Germany. Its construction began in the 13th century, and it was expanded into a bastion fortress in the 16th and 17th centuries. Important: The fortress was never conquered – not during the Thirty Years' War, not during the Turkish Wars, not during the Seven Years' War. Its bastions, casemates, courtyards, and defensive walls provide a perfect backdrop for a medieval festival. Today, it houses the Fränkische Galerie with works by the Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder, who was born in Kronach.

Crana Historica – Festival of History

Crana Historica (the Latin name for Kronach) is not just a medieval market, but a self-proclaimed Festival of History. It is organized by Vehi Mercatus, one of Germany's most significant medieval festival organizers, in cooperation with the city of Kronach. For two to three days, the entire fortress transforms into a walkable journey through time.

What awaits you at the fortress

In the large army camp, historical groups from all over Europe present themselves: knights in full armor, mercenaries from various eras, archers, swordsmen. Spectacular weapon demonstrations take place in the spacious courtyards: jousting on horseback, stick fighting, archery, large staged combats with over 50 participants. In the medieval market, traders offer leather goods, jewelry, fabrics, medicinal herbs, wood carvings, and medieval coats of arms. Jugglers, jesters, and showmen are active everywhere.

Music from the Middle Ages

Medieval musicians play on several stages within the fortress – hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes, shawms, tambourines, crumhorns. The groups come from German-speaking countries and Scandinavia; some are well-established names in the scene, like Corvus Corax, relatives of Schandmaul, and many smaller troupes.

Medieval Cuisine

At the market, you'll find culinary specialties from the Middle Ages: suckling pig on a spit, mutton ragout, dark bread, smoked bacon, cheese, mead (honey wine), herbal schnapps, warm beer with spices. Wooden and earthenware dishes, no plastic – that is the program and a requirement.

Kronach – Birthplace of Cranach

The town of Kronach in the extreme northwest of Bavaria is one of the oldest towns in Upper Franconia. Lucas Cranach the Elder, one of the most important German Renaissance painters and a friend of Martin Luther, was born here in 1472. The Festung Rosenberg is located above the old town, which has its own charm due to its Cranach City identity.

A medieval festival with standards

Crana Historica is among the better-curated medieval markets in Germany: historical accuracy is paramount; fantasy elements are kept out. Those seeking the authentic Middle Ages – knights, craftsmen, warriors of the past – will find an authentic staging here in a unique setting.