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Girona and the Costa Brava have a long tradition of mediaeval fairs and markets. Some of the best known and most visited are the Mediaeval Besalú, the Mediaeval Market in Castell d'Aro and the Terra de Trobadors Festival in Castelló d'Empúries.
If you are someone who likes history, and not only that, if you are someone who likes to live history, we invite you to visit some of the mediaeval markets and fairs in Girona and the Costa Brava where you will find craft fairs, historical recreations, children's shows, exhibitions of ancient crafts, music, concerts and guided tours among a host of activities that will transport you back to the Middle Ages and make you feel like one of the characters in Robin Hood, Camelot, The Name of the Rose or A Knight's Tale.
These are the main mediaeval fairs and markets held in Girona and the Costa Brava.
1. Calonge Mediaeval Market (Calonge)
The Calonge mediaeval market is held every year during the Easter weekend. The old town that surrounds the castle and its inhabitants dress up in mediaeval costumes and activities are organised throughout the weekend such as a craft fair, craft workshops, street shows, music and story reading.
2. Hostalric Mediaeval Fair (Hostalric)
Hostalric's mediaeval fair takes place every year during the Easter weekend (Friday to Sunday) in the fortress and in the old town. Hostalric was one of the most important centres of the Viscounty of Cabrera. At this fair you will find a large craft and food market with cold meats, sweets and cheeses, a mediaeval camp, dramatised guided tours, children's workshops and shows for all ages.
3. Peralada Mediaeval Fair - Na Mercadera (Peralada)
This fair is named Na Mercadera after the heroine of Peralada who appears in some of the chapters of the Chronicle of the chronicler Ramon Muntaner. Peralada was the capital of the County of Peralada during the Middle Ages. You can enjoy this fair during the first weekend of June and the activities organised: craft markets, children's shows, mediaeval music concerts, knight fights and guided tours.
4. Mercadal del Comte Guifré (Ripoll)
The fair of the Guifré Count takes place in Ripoll around August 11th, the date on which count Guifré died. The main theme of this fair is to remember the figure of the count. You can relax and refresh yourself in the tavern, visit the count's camp and the market, enjoy the shows and participate in workshops, costume and archery competitions.
5. Castell d'Aro Mediaeval Market (Castell-Platja d'Aro)
This market takes place every year during the third weekend in August. You can stroll around the craft fair, see the exhibition of ancient crafts and enjoy street shows and music for all ages.
6. Mediaeval Besalú (Besalú) - Cancelled
One of the largest and most visited mediaeval fairs in the territory. It took place during the first weekend of September. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled. For the 2022 edition, the town hall of Besalú has surprised us all by informing that there will not be a fair this year 2022 either, as "they consider it necessary to carry out a review of the fair with a strategic vision". We will keep you informed when we have news.
7. Terra de Trobadors Festival (Castelló d'Empúries)
The Terra de Trobadors Festival is one of the longest-running mediaeval fairs in Catalonia. It takes place every year on the second weekend of September. The fair recalls the years of the splendour of the County of Empúries of which Castelló d'Empúries was the capital. The theme of the festival changes every year but what is guaranteed are family shows and street music.
8. Aloja. Fantastic Mediaeval Fair (Banyoles)
The fair is held on the second weekend of October in the old quarter of Banyoles. Some of the hightlights of the fair are the crafts market, the re-enactment of battles and the theatrical visits on the Tritona catamaran around the lake. This fair brings together characters from the mediaeval period and fantastic creatures taken from legends and popular fables of the territory.
9. Peratallada Mediaeval Market (Peratallada)
Every year, during the first weekend of October, the mediaeval market of Peratallada takes place. The fair recreates a mediaeval market where you can find artisan products such as cheeses, honey, herbs, bread and sausages as well as music and performances by minstrels and puppeteers.
The Middle Ages are still very much alive in Girona and the Costa Brava. Many villages and buildings from the mediaeval period are still preserved today. Make the most of your stay to visit some of the prettiest and best-preserved mediaeval towns in the area.