Medical Archaeological Festival in Biskupin
Mysterious shamans, medieval hospitallers, herbalists and early pharmacists spent centuries tackling diseases and ailments that afflicted humankind. Visitors will be able to discover the secrets of their work during the 31st Archaeological Festival at the Marshal’s Archaeological Museum in Biskupin. Poland’s best-known historical event begins this Saturday (12 September). Festival programme.
– The crowds of visitors who come to the Biskupin festival every year are the best proof that this is a truly exceptional event. Thanks to the commitment and creativity of the organisers, traces of the past come alive again here, becoming tangible and successfully encouraging both young and old to explore the world of history. I invite everyone to Biskupin for new and fascinating experiences – says Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
“Archeomedicus – from magic to medicine” is the theme of the 31st edition of the Archaeological Festival. Visitors will be able to explore themed zones featuring interesting stands, demonstrations and lectures:
The stage, where the bands Huskarl and Javaryna will perform, will also host engaging talks and lectures. Visitors will be able to learn about how people cared for their bodies in antiquity, medical treatment in prehistoric times and diets of the past.
The Biskupin festival also offers engaging workshops in a variety of themed areas. Visitors can look forward to:
- a botanical laboratory
- craft workshops
- a graphic design studio
- sword and sabre workshops.
One of the highlights of previous festivals has been combat demonstrations by early medieval warriors, and this year will be no exception. Warriors from the “Chmurnicy – Warriors of the Łekno Stronghold” historical re-enactment group will once again cross swords.
Archaeology enthusiasts are also invited to visit the museum’s conservation workshop. In these rooms, normally closed to visitors, they will be able to see specialist equipment, talk to conservators and take part in demonstrations.
On the first day of the festival, an exhibition will open in memory of Wiesław Zajączkowski, the museum’s former director, who died in August and was posthumously awarded the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis at the most recent session of the Regional Assembly.
The event will continue until 16 September.
The Archaeological Museum in Biskupin is a cultural institution of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie regional government. It is one of the largest archaeological reserves in Europe, covering almost 40 hectares. The site contains extensive traces of settlement dating from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages, including the remains of an exceptionally well-preserved fortified settlement dating from the transition between the Bronze and Iron Ages. With the support of the regional government, the reserve has been progressively implementing projects involving the reconstruction and historical stylisation of further structures.
A new pavilion is to be built at the Archaeological Museum in Biskupin. A competition organised by the museum for the architectural concept of the new building was won by the Wrocław-based PROLOG studio. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. The budget for preparing the construction design amounts to PLN 2.8 million, while the cost of constructing the building itself is estimated at PLN 40 million.
Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office
11 September 2026