VISIT TO THE CASTLE
Workshops about the Castles, Visits and Activities
Here are materials to inspire other teachers and artists to create learning experiences for children through the power of the arts, with activities performed in places of cultural heritage.
Kolossi Castle, Limassol, Cyprus
Programme at Kolossi Castle:
Video Projection (Ground Floor):
Discovering why and how castles in Europe, and the Kolossi castle, were built, along with the daily life and traditions surrounding the Kolossi. Children are fascinated by the music background and the images projected, in the darkness, on the internal stone walls.
Theatre act (Upper floor):
Performed by professional Cypriot actors wearing medieval clothes, the act develops through a dialogue between the lady of the castle and her husband mentioning the Crusades and the need for love and kindness.
Medieval Dances (Upper Floor):
Children are invited to participate in simple medieval dance steps led by experienced Cypriot dance facilitators. Accompanied by traditional medieval music, this joyful activity bridges history and modern connection through movement.
Storytelling (Upper Floor):
This interlude shares the captivating tale of the violin’s origins, tracing its journey from the East to
Europe. This segment sets the stage for the musical performance to follow.
Concert for Violin and Cello (Upper Floor):
Professional musicians, dressed in medieval attire, perform a selection of works from the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. The performers interact with the children who share insights on the music, while creating an intimate, reflective atmosphere.
Farewell on the Terrace
The event concludes with a special goodbye under the sky, leaving children with a lasting impression of Kolossi Castle’s rich history and beauty.
The event adopted a participatory approach, encouraging to share ideas, feelings, and thoughts.
Children left with a deeper appreciation of the past and its resonance into the present.
Sarzananello fortress, Sarzana (SP), Italy
Programme at Sarzanello fortress:
Introduction (tower entrance - moat garden)
Welcoming of the students in the garden in front of the tower entrance. Greeting by the Captain of the San Giorgio Militia, dressed in medieval attire. General introduction to the medieval castles of our area and a detailed description of the tower that the students can admire before their eyes. Explanation of the materials used and its function in the medieval era. A moment of reflection for the students with a Q&A session with the expert.
Performance (combat simulation)
In the moat garden. Simulation of a combat training between two reenactors dressed in medieval clothing. Duel and explanation of the stances and movements of the fighters by the Captain. Description of the weapons used and close observation by the students of the different components of a typical knight’s armor: helmet, breastplate, bracers, thigh guards, and weapons such as swords and pikes. Description of the attire of the armed soldiers.
In the distance, music is heard, and the musician makes an entrance, playing a typical medieval wind instrument. The reenactor captures the students' attention and invites them to enter the tower.
Educational session (circular hall inside the tower)
In the central hall, students are seated on medieval-style benches. Around them, they can admire furniture, cupboards, trunks, shields, helmets, wooden structures supporting pikes, and other weapons.
Part 1: history of medieval music
The musician, dressed in medieval attire, introduces the students to the music of the era and performs some pieces using various instruments: flutes of different sizes, bagpipes, small guitars. The performance alternates between explanations and musical pieces. Students have the opportunity to ask questions, which the expert answers.
Part 2: life in the castle – food, drinks, customs and traditions
Educational worksheets are distributed for the final part of the event. A specialist, acting as the Lady of the Castle and dressed in typical medieval female clothing, introduces the customs and traditions of castle life. She presents various objects placed on the table: plates, glasses, pitchers, and cutlery. She describes some typical recipes of the time and speaks about the famous medieval beverage "Hippocras." Students find all the information in the provided educational sheets. There is space for questions and answers.
Conclusion
The Lady of the Castle bids farewell to the students and teachers by reading the passage "The Legend of Saint George and the Dragon."
At the end of the event, students gain an in-depth knowledge of the medieval era from multiple perspectives. It has been an engaging experience that allowed them to actively participate, compare ideas and perceptions, and challenge stereotypes or misconceptions about the Middle Ages.
