Königshain Medieval Spectacle

History You Can Touch in the Königshain Quarry

When the rock faces of the disused quarry near Königshain become a stage once a year, the eastern tip of Saxony immerses itself in the Middle Ages for two days. The Königshain Medieval Spectacle in the Görlitz district is a lovingly designed staging of market life, combat games, and juggling — embedded in a natural setting that is second to none.

Knights' Tournament and Juggling

Three times a day, the herald calls the knights from various lands into the arena: with sword and shield, they compete in combat games that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. In between, musicians and acrobats provide entertainment — historical minstrelsy alternates with fire-eaters and children's amusements.

Market of Craftsmen

Merchants, craftsmen, and food stalls crowd the extensive quarry grounds. Blacksmiths and potters work before the eyes of the visitors, while bakeries and barbecue stands tempt with hearty specialties. Mead is served at the taverns — the sweet honey wine is as much a part of the spectacle as the sound of the hurdy-gurdy.

Königshain Granite

A special feature of the festival is its connection to local tradition: for centuries, Königshain was famous for its granite, which was used for the Reichstag building in Berlin, among other things. During the spectacle, a stonemason demonstrates with a historical lifting crane how the heavy stones were moved in the Middle Ages — an impressive demonstration against the natural backdrop of this very material.

Getting There and Atmosphere

Königshain is located about nine kilometers west of Görlitz on the edge of the Königshain Mountains. The small community with its two castles and over 725 years of history is accessible via the B6 and B115 roads. Visitors should plan time for a walk through the Königshain Mountains — the quarries are among the most beautiful hiking destinations in the Upper Lusatia region.