09/08/07Crossroads of Civilizations Festival at the Monastery of the Savior and St. Euthymius
 The Monastery of the Savior, “…standing in the beauty of its buildings like a city” (as Ananiya Fyodorov, the first historian of Suzdal, put it in the 18th century), was among the richest and famous monasteries in Russia. Now the monastery presents an outstanding architectural ensemble and a remarkable collection of museum exhibitions.
On September 8, the new Crossroads of Civilizations festival organized by the Vladimir and Suzdal Museum took place on the grounds of the monastery. High brick walls and towers of the fortress made an ideal background for this impressive show.
Guests of the festival had a rare opportunity to see a medieval tourney consisting of single combats between warriors. They were dressed in shining armor and held shields, swords and battle-axes. Combatants fought showing an extraordinary strength and courage. Winners were greeted by fine ladies in medieval costumes. Elegant girls performed beautiful ancient dances.
  
Several clubs of historical reconstruction of weaponry took part in the festival. The most interesting thing about the show was its authenticity. The majority of costumes and items of armament were exact copies of samples dating back to the 11th – 14th centuries. Believe it or not, but members of the clubs had made everything themselves, including shirts of mail, helmets, swords and bows.
   The first Crossroads of Civilizations festival proved a success. Organizers of the festival believe that it will occupy its place among the most attractive events in cultural life of Suzdal.
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