Modern Tourism at Medieval Historical Sites

The interest in the Middle Ages historical period and its revival, medievalism, is manifested in modern life through various forms such as literature, art, and preservation of 5^th to 15^th-century architecture. The imagination of the medieval era into tourist sites in the modern days is characterized by the emphasis on chivalry, knights, castles, and other associated elements. The medieval sites provide the beauty of the Middle Ages culture and the complexity of medieval architecture. The most commonly visited medieval sites. Visiting medieval sites allows people to connect with the past, experience the architectural marvels of the time, and gain insights into medieval life’s social, political, and cultural aspects.

Reasons for Visiting Medieval Sites

Modern tourists visiting the medieval sites derive satisfaction from different aspects of the historical period. Medieval sites have been recreated using modern recreation methods to create an immersive experience that transports them back in time. According to a study conducted by Kulpiński et al. (2022), the Poland castle was recreated to transport visitors to the Poland Bronze Age. To create these effects, the sites are accentuated with well-recreated architecture, period-accurate costumes, and historical artifacts. In addition, the social disruption caused by economic and political factors has caused a loss of connection with cultural roots. Therefore, there are those who visit these medieval sites to reconnect with their ancestral roots. Castronuovo (2023) identifies that cultural exploration, such as medieval customs, traditions, and societal structures, includes some of the aspects that tour guides are interested in.

Further, medieval sites consist of educational and historical knowledge that many individuals engaging in tourism of medieval sites explore. The visit to these sites is aimed at broadening the historical knowledge and the understanding of the nuances of the era. For example, Wang et al. (2022) discuss that the medieval art, architecture, and recreated daily life enriches the educational programs. In their journal, Soares and Neto (2021) suggest that the restoration and enactment of the Portugal Town of Obidos is filled with medieval-themed events that often feature entertainment, such as jousting tournaments, sword fights, and traditional music and dance. These activities contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere, providing visitors with both enjoyment and a sense of spectacle. Indeed, the social interactions through these medieval-themed activities are a huge attraction for people with a sense of belonging and connection to the medieval period. The urban and modern life is tiring, and tourists seek medievalism as a form of escapism from the complexities and fast pace of modern life. The slower pace, simplicity, and perceived nobility of the medieval era offer a contrast to contemporary society.

Accuracy and Stereotypes

Solana and Calvo (2021) find that the accuracy and the authenticity of the medieval world’s historical reenactment are crucial in the construction of teaching/learning spaces from a heritage education perspective. Indeed, most of the medieval history is being passed across generations through enactments at the medieval sites. Therefore, the accuracy of these touristic activities can vary widely depending on the specific event, site, or activity. In many cases, these experiences involve a blend of historical accuracy, artistic interpretation, and, at times, popular stereotypes. For instance, the accuracy of sites in Cairo is based on the physical structures that have been preserved for modern tourists (Elassal et al., 2023). The accuracy of these medieval sites is preserved by various departments of heritage and culture. Some medieval events and sites are dependent on the quality of research and the level of recreation of aspects of the period. In addition to research and physical remnants, the accuracy of medieval-themed history is based on the presented artifacts and information based on historical evidence. The more a site or event prioritizes authenticity, the more likely visitors are to gain insights into the genuine aspects of medieval life.

However, there may be aspects of accuracy lost due to artistic interpretation caused by the degree of stylized improvements. The overdoing of some interpretations for theatrical performances and embellishments to enhance the overall experience and to create an immersive experience may not be strictly historically accurate. For example, a medieval fair might incorporate fantasy elements or romanticized depictions of knights and ladies to capture the imagination of visitors (Wang et al., 2022). While these elements may not align with the reality of the Middle Ages, they can still offer a form of creative expression and enjoyment.

As a personal opinion, medieval tourist sites may perpetuate popular stereotypes about the Middle Ages. Modern literature, films, and some media propagated the medieval period as “dark” and “barbaric,” while others may want tourists sites to believe that the medieval period was simplistic by portrayals of chivalry and courtly love (Solana & Calvo, 2021). In addition, jousting tournaments may be dramatized for audience enjoyment, potentially reinforcing romanticized ideals rather than historical realities.

Mediavalism vs Neomedievalism

Tourism around medieval sites is structured around the creation of fascinations with historical experiences. The revival of medieval elements is aimed at creating an immersive experience to allow visitors to appreciate, connect with, and increase their knowledge. The aim of tourism around medieval age sites is not to adapt the themes into the contemporary context, which is the focus of neomedievalism (Terlouw, 2020). Indeed, medievalism’s aim is to appeal to visitors who are drawn to the opportunity to experience aspects of medieval life, architecture, and culture as authentically as possible. Where medieval-inspired fashion trends, these events are not fully incorporated into technology and multimedia presentations alongside historical elements.

Conclusion

Modern tourism is enthusiastic about the development of new medieval sites through the reenactment but, more importantly, the findings of new artifacts. Indeed, the need for an immersive experience and connection with the cultural roots of the ancestors is one of the most common reasons tourists in the 20^th century visit the 5^th to 15^th-century medieval sites. The experience is for fascination, and it is very rare to adopt some of the crude aspects of the medieval into modern contemporary life.

References

Castronuovo, V. (2023). Losing Cultural Heritage due to Anthropic Environmental Disasters: An Application of the DPSIR Spiral Framework. Sustainability, 15(3), 1978. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031978

Elassal, I. M. I., Hernandez-Rojas, R. D., & Moreno Quispe, L. A. (2023). Loyalty to World Heritage Cities: A Case Study of the Historic Ibn Ṭūlūn Mosque in Cairo (Egypt). Sustainability, 15(17), 13154. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713154

Kulpiński, J., Prukop, B., Rut, P., Rejman, A., Świder, P., & Cynarski, W. J. (2022). Defensive Strongholds and Fortified Castles in Poland—From the Art of Fortifications to Tourist Attractions. Sustainability, 14(6), 3209. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063209

Soares, C. M., & Neto, M. J. (2021). The Medieval Town of Óbidos (Portugal): Restoration, Reutilisation and Tourism Challenges from 1934 to the Present Day. Heritage, 4(4), 2876–2902. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4040161

Solana, D., & Calvo, J. G. (2021). Education and Heritage of Medieval Warfare. A Study on the Transmission of Knowledge by Informal Educators in Defensive Spaces. Education Sciences, 11(7), 320. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070320

Terlouw, K. (2020). Towards a Neomedieval Urban Future: Neoliberal or Sustainable? Sustainability, 12(18), 7298. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187298

Wang, L., Ding, J., Chen, M., Sun, Y., Tang, X., & Ge, M. (2022). Exploring Tourists’ Multilevel Spatial Cognition of Historical Town Based on Multi-Source Data—A Case Study of Feng Jing Ancient Town in Shanghai. Buildings, 12(11), 1833. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111833