Magna Carta Brings Chivalry Back to Monaco

Photo: @themedievalthings @the_medieval_impact

“The Middle Ages are closer than you think,” says Evgeny Strzhalkovskiy, Founder of the Magna Carta Project. It is his association that invites the residents of the principality to the “Malizia” Tournament, which will take place on February 7 beneath the legendary dome of the Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille in Monaco. The event continues the region’s long-standing tradition of buhurt tournaments, where warriors clash in historically accurate armor with blunted weapons. The residents of the principality are offered not only the chance to admire the aesthetics of reenactment, but also to step into an immersive spectacle where history is not merely seen, but truly felt.

Magna Carta organizes events in various formats — from intimate knightly duels to team tournaments and large-scale international festivals. Under the Chapiteau’s vast canopy in Monaco, elite teams from France, Italy, and Spain will face off in the spectacular 7-versus-7 category, promising a vivid and family-friendly weekend. “Magna Carta is designed for a remarkably broad audience. On one hand, there are fighters and participants for whom medieval battles have become a way of life; on the other, spectators drawn to the history, culture, and spirit of the medieval world. Naturally, entering the field in full armor requires certain physical and health-related prerequisites. However, for those wishing to take part as spectators, there are no age restrictions whatsoever. What truly matters is not age, but curiosity, enthusiasm, and openness to the living heritage of the Middle Ages,” he explains. The project not only entertains but also preserves the unique legacy of medieval culture, supports traditional crafts, and creates a space where history becomes vivid and accessible to all generations.

The Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille, established at the initiative of Prince Rainier III, is renowned as the home of the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, and its prestigious name and capacity make it a natural stage for the Magna Carta battles. “This venue once hosted the legendary Buhurt Prime tournaments, which for many years set the benchmark for medieval battle events worldwide. For countless fighters and spectators, they remain a defining reference point. Today, the time has come to revive this tradition and once again place Monaco among the key locations on the global map of medieval battles,” Strzhalkovskiy adds. On February 7, teams will consist of twelve fighters, seven of whom will enter the field while the others remain in reserve. Spectators will witness intense full-contact battles, immerse themselves in the aesthetics of the medieval world, and admire armor and costumes crafted with exceptional historical accuracy. The tournament will proudly open the Magna Carta 2026 season, culminating in the third annual Magna Carta: Livorno. Giostra di Giovanni festival in Tuscany, where more than a hundred participants will enter the field simultaneously, creating a grand and mesmerizing spectacle.