Trebuchet
The great siege and throwing machine of the Middle Ages.
Experience the impressive sight when we throw heavy stones into Guldborgsund with the world’s largest trebuchet.
The very first step of the Medieval Center was the building of a small trebuchet, in connection with Nykøbing Falster's 700th anniversary, back in 1989. Later on, several different types of throwing machines were added, and more were demonstrated to the public.
The Medieval Center's first trebuchet, which served as the landmark of the center for a quarter of a century, had to be decommissioned in 2021 as years of use had worn it down. Over the following years, a new machine, identical to the old original, was designed and built according to the same plans.
With the opening of the 2023 season, the new machine could be put into operation and everything remained the same - because the Medieval Center must have both a small and a big trebuchet!
Did you know that:
At the Medieval Center you will find Europe's, probably the world's, largest trebuchet! The Medieval Center has also helped other museums reconstruct other trebuchets, as we were the first to officially reconstruct one.
A trebuchet is a counterweight throwing machine that was used for sieges. No preserved trebuchets from the Middle Ages are known. The trebuchet of the Medieval Center is built according to drawings and descriptions from the Middle Ages.
The trebuchets are impressively large machines, which were built where they were to be used, as they were not transportable in assembled condition. They are built with high-level engineering knowledge.
Throwing objects could range from rocks, fireballs, dead animals, beehives, and even severed heads from the enemy.
They are incredibly accurate and are relatively quick to charge and fire - something the audience can experience up close at the Medieval Center.
The big trebuchet has to be loaded for shooting. Two people in each wheel walk to lower the arm in order for shooting. For safety reasons, only our interpreters and volunteers are allowed to go in the wheels.
Once the trebuchet is charged, it should be fired. Usually, a visitor is picked from the audience to do the shooting - again, under expert guidance.
The trebuchets are not climbing frames and it can be very dangerous to crawl around inside the wheels. Therefore, we ask visitors to just look, and enjoy the fine machines up close.
Are you planning to celebrate something special?
If you are planning an event at the Medieval Center, if you are part of a group on a guided tour, or if you have another special occasion to celebrate, it is possible to book a private trebuchet shot.