Linked by a passion for the Middle Ages

Sword fights, brightly coloured costumes, a whirl of sound and dance… Throughout the summer many medieval villages and castles relive the splendour of yesteryear thanks to re-enactment groups.

Founded in 2001, Fribourg’s Compagnie des Tours has a membership of about 40 medieval enthusiasts. They try to bring the Middle Ages faithfully back to life by dressing up as apothecaries, cloth merchants and cooks at such events as the Feast of St John, held at Gruyères castle.

These historical re-enactments require a lot of preparation. In winter the members of the group meet for a workshop to make the clothes of the characters they are going to play.