“THE BRIDGES OF TIME” FESTIVAL

After the construction of the objects In the open-air Archaeological Park-Museum “Bridges of Time”, on the territory of the museum, 5-day cross-border festival reconstructions of historical events, life and culture, covering the Romani and medieval eras, will be held annually. The “Bridges of Time” festival will be held on both banks of the Danube River. This is based on the common historical roots of Bulgaria and Romania in ancient / Roman / medieval times, as well as the preserved archaeological and cultural heritage of the respective eras. The presence of common sights that connect the two banks of the Danube bridge from the time of Emperor Constantine / III century / and a medieval fortress known as Little Nikopol in Turnu Magurele, a medieval fortress in Nikopol, the cave church in Nikopol and the archaeological one in the park built nearby, determine the general structure of the Festival.

The festival will take place on the territory of the two municipalities and cover the two eras in the two cities – two days in Romania and three days in Bulgaria. The festival days will change – starting in Turnu Magurele, continuing in Nikopol the next day, etc. The festival will end with the battle of Mircea the Elder and Sigismund Luxemburg against Sultan Bayezid I, reproduced by the 100-member clubs of Nikopol and Turnu Magurele, created for the restoration of historical events. Trained club members, in authentic clothing and equipment, will provide interactive outdoor history lessons for children, demonstrate Roman military tactics and medieval cuisine to tourists, participate in other European festivals when invited by visiting clubs participating in the annual festival “Bridges of Time”. Bulgarian directors and actors will take part in recreating medieval battles and everyday life scenes.

Four buildings with sheds attached to them will be a place to demonstrate activities and household techniques used in different eras. The making of clay idols representing the birth of the first cults and rituals will also be part of the Festival. The preparation of nets for fishing, the construction of boats, the making of vessels on a primitive stand and objects of wood, bone, metal and furnaces for melting the metal, etc. will be demonstrated. Demonstrators will also be dressed in an era-appropriate manner. Visitors will be able to take part in the presented lifestyle and activities themselves. During the Festival, there will be a Culinary Roman and Medieval Show with tastings of meats, vegetables and wines.

The festival will include approximately 400 participants and 300 participants from guest clubs and 100 members of established clubs in Nikopol and Turnu Magurele. The festival will be held during the active tourist season in coordination with tour operators/cruise ships/etc.

The first “Bridges of Time” Festival was held on October 6, 7 and 8, 2023. Below you will see photos from the event around Turnu Fortress: