Battle for Honor and Royalty This Weekend at Sovinec Castle
FThe last weekend of July—26th and 27th July 2025—will see the Sovinec estate come alive with 
historical reenactments, cannon fire, and the sound of clashing weapons. The Špinavci civic association, the team at Sovinec Castle, along with various historical fencing groups, are gearing up for the 27th annual event called For Honour and Kings, which offers a full-day packed program.
Throughout the day, you will have the chance to explore the castle, and you will especially want to check out the fifth courtyard for various shows, competitions, and performances. There are also unique castle tours featuring demonstrations by fencing groups, jugglers, and other entertainers. As you wander, you can stroll through artisan stalls displaying crafts and watch birds of prey in falconry shows. The event goes on rain or shine; in case of inclement weather, the shows will be moved indoors, and you’ll still be able to watch them from the courtyard or the castle galleries!
Exciting sword and musket duels
On both days, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (with castle access until 6:00 p.m.), you will be able to see the finest performers in the fifth courtyard.
At noon each day, there will be a dramatic battle for the castle. The Valmont Historical Fencing Group will present the fencing story of Count Orbek and the comedic fencing skit Men in Black. The Allegros fencing group will bring to life adored tales like Cinderella and The Robbers. The Nuntius R. theater and fencing troupe will showcase stories such as The Weight and The Great Gift to Sovinec. Puppet shows from the Kašpárkův svět theatre will delight audiences of all ages. You’ll also be treated to falconry displays featuring the training of remarkable birds of prey.
You can visit historical craft stalls, where some activities are hands-on, as well as food booths offering treats like sweet pastries and savory sausages. For those interested in tours, there are three paths to choose from. Guided tours of the castle are conducted in period costumes every half hour from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (inclusive) and the cost of the tour is included in the general admission. Admission prices for the weekend event are CZK 180 for adults, CZK 120 for children aged 4-14, students under 26, seniors over 65, and disabled persons. A family pass costs CZK 540.
New features this year include the debut of the “Thirty Years’ War” exhibition and the unveiling of the Sovinec armory, where you can view a 3D model showing how the Swedes captured the castle. You are also free to explore the recently opened 82-meter-long underground passageway that you can enter via the castle moat.
Insights into the history of hygiene, the Thirty Years’ War, and the underground corridor
Two new exhibitions are definitely worth a visit: “Cleanliness: Half a Life”, which explores hygiene practices in a medieval castle, and the “Thirty Years’ War” exhibition at the Owl Armoury, featuring a new app that allows you to see a demonstration in a 3D format of how the Swedes took over the castle. The Thirty Years’ War exhibition is openly accessible, while the “Cleanliness: Half a Life” exhibition offers guided experience. Naturally, the newly opened 82-meter-long underground corridor can be accessed from the castle moat, and the observation tower is also available for guests to explore.
For refreshments, you can visit Klippel’s Bastion situated in the first courtyard. It serves a delightful variety of hot and cold beverages, excellent coffee, and mulled wine, as well as soups, main courses, grilled meats, and a selection of fast food, tortillas, salads, and oven-baked pizzas.
