ANNO 1290 — Kaisermarkt Goslar

Middle Ages in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the 13th century, Goslar was one of the most important imperial cities and the economic center of German mining. The Kaisermarkt ANNO 1290 revives this era, staging it in the historic locations where markets and trade actually took place. The market square with its fountain, the Schuhhof, and the area around the Marktkirche St. Cosmas and Damian serve as stages for a weekend full of craft demonstrations and music.

Craft Demonstrations and Market

At the market stalls, tools, jewelry, leather goods, blacksmith work, felted textiles, and pottery are created before the visitors' eyes. The craft demonstrators are trained professionals who combine their work with explanations of materials, tools, and procedures from the High Middle Ages. The market thus not only caters to the desire for authentic products but also fulfills the need for knowledge transfer.

Music, Fire, and Acrobatics

Several music groups move through the festival grounds. Bagpipes, shawms, hurdy-gurdies, and drums create the soundscape, further enhanced by Goslar's hillside location and ancient alleys. In the evening, fire shows take center stage, while jugglers, jesters, and small theater groups enrich the daytime program.

Family Activities and Open Shopping Sunday

Families can enjoy archery, small woodworking stations, and costume rentals for children. On Sunday, October 4th, the shops in the city center will be open from 1 PM to 6 PM, allowing the festival program to blend with a stroll through the city.

ANNO 1290 as a Concept

The organizer, ANNO Events, has been curating medieval markets in several German cities for years. Their concepts are always based on a specific historical era, in Goslar's case, the year 1290, and involve trained performers and craft demonstrators. This distinguishes the Kaisermarkt from purely decorative medieval markets.