“It’s bloody dangerous!” That sets the tone as the guides at Bornholms Middelaldercenter take the audience into the medieval world of gunpowder and cannons. The language is refreshingly direct, the humour is infectious, and both children and adults quickly become part of the show.

At the same time, there is plenty of history and knowledge behind the fun. The fearsome black-powder weapons are brought to life as the air fills with the smell of sulphur and gun smoke, and the tension slowly builds towards the blast that can be felt through both the ground and your chest.

You see how the cannon is loaded, while the guides explain the early firearms that helped change warfare forever. You hear about the history of the weapons, the archaeological finds behind the reconstructions and the technology that impressed, frightened and fascinated people more than 500 years ago.

The centre’s cannon is a replica of a ship’s cannon dating from around 1400, discovered in the sea off Anholt. It also holds a very special place in the history of Bornholms Middelaldercenter itself. Before the village houses and the fortified manor were built, it all began with a travelling cannon and a group of history enthusiasts.

As the fuse approaches the touch hole, anticipation builds among the crowd. A flash of fire, a thick cloud of white smoke and a thunderous bang give you a very real sense of medieval gunpowder weapons. This is history you do not just see and hear – you feel it.

After the firing, you can get a closer look at the weapons and ask the guides questions about medieval gunpowder weapons and how they were used.

Extra firing demonstrations during school holidays: During selected holiday periods, the centre also demonstrates handheld hook guns, which fire their own impressive salutes and offer an even closer look at medieval firearms.