The Medieval castle at San Miguel invited me down to review its evening entertainment last Saturday. With three young boys and a long summer holiday I was only too pleased to take their offer. I have been to the castle before, but my first son was really too young to enjoy the experience, now he is 9 years old, with two younger brothers, aged 5 and 6, the evening was a magical event that took them back to a time of gallant knights and noble kings.
The castle is situated in Aldea Blanca, San Miguel, the building itself is very authentic, and the whole setting as you arrive sparks a night to remember. We parked in the adequate car park, and as we climbed the steps were met by knights and horses. Obviously my children were delighted, and the step back in time had begun. As you enter the castle, it really is like stepping into a time machine, shinning armour, swords and brutal weaponry hang from the walls, with flags and authentic burning fires and lanterns. The whole set is very well designed, and everyone who enters gasps with delight as they venture around the halls. You are casually lead around the castle and get given your coloured bib and crown, then you must hold your tounge, as the count of San Miguel greets everyone of his guests whilst posing for a photo.(Although I did find it strange that we all had to be photographed indiviually, and what a waste of paper, there is more chance of one photo being purchased than 4 or 5 indiviual ones.) As you make your way to the arena, the setting continues to delight, with medieval ornaments and wall hangings. Into the arena, and its huge, bench seating is more than adequate with wine juice and water all part of the price. Slowly the arean fills up, and it becomes aparent what the bibs are for. Everyone is colour coded and the colour matches your Knight, for whom you must cheer and scream every time he needs your support.
The lights dim and the show begins with spectacular dance routines from horses, yes horses. The training and time this must take is amazing, they do not seem to put a foot out of place. This continues to amaze the crowds, and wine starts to flow, beer is also available from the local wench, who visits you in turn. Once the count has made his entrance the food begins to arrive, the children are given a tidy chicken and chips, all included in the price. The only let down for me was the adult meal, it is served with attitude, and casually thrown at you. I know we are at a medieval castle, I know its authentic, but we are not peasants. This with little expense could be hugely improved, and that's not just my opinion, if you look at the mountain of found they throw away its obvious this needs some attention! As the knights begin the games each coloured section cheers and screams as their hero wins points for the team. The end of the night sees some magnificent displays of sword fighting, realistic battles scenes, and fantastic horse riding skills. My children were truly amazed at the whole evening, it was breathtaking for them. I actually enjoyed just sitting and watching them, as their eyes lit with pure amazement.
If you are visiting Tenerife, and are looking for a fantastic way to spend an evening, then this is one of the best you can find. I rate it 41/2 out of 5 stars, it really is worth seeing. The entertainment is fantastic, and you can really appreciate the time and effort that goes into each performance.
For further details you can visit their website here http://www.castillosanmiguel.com/castilloinformacion-en.html
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