When the air is filled by the roar of heavy artillery and gun smoke
The visitor will by now be used to the colourful appearance of the famous Landsknechte, but this re-enactment of the Battle of Peutelstein now shows clearly the dangerous aspects of their lives. It is performed on the Swabian Field directly below the Mindelburg, and offers a fascinating experience for both participants and audience. The combat recreates the original course of events and the atmosphere of a battle field in Renaissance times, from the roar and gun smoke of heavy artillery, to the “hedgehog” formation of pikes and finally to hand-to-hand fighting. The battle itself is historically factual, and took place near Cortina d‘Ampezzo in the Dolomites. It is considered to be a decisive engagement during the War of the League of Cambrai (1508-1516). Its location on a crucial north-south-route meant that Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I was especially keen on reconquering the Venetian-occupied castle of Peutelstein. This, however, could only be accomplished after Georg von Frundsberg and his Fähnleins (squads) defeated the numerically superior Venetian relief forces in the valley of Ampezzo.
Around 500 participants of the Fähnleins Frundsberg, Helfenstein, Rechberg, Ems and Schertlin as well as numerous guest groups will be re-enacting this historical battle.