At dawn, a loud rooster's crow echoes against the walls of Lida Castle, gradually giving way to the soft sounds of a medieval lute. A wicket gate opens, and the castle's keeper steps out to greet the first guests, her ring of forged keys jingling. This is how a new addition to the season at Lida Castle begins — the interactive tour "Z Pershymi Peŭniami" ("With the First Roosters"), as told to a BELTA correspondent at the Lida Historical and Art Museum, of which the ancient castle is a branch.

In this original way, the museum decided to attract "early bird" tourists — those who naturally wake up at dawn, as well as those who enjoy unusual formats, romance, and adventure.

"Today, museum workers use many interactive formats to popularize historical and cultural heritage. Evening and night tours are already held at more than one historical site. We decided to open the castle's gates in the early morning to complement the educational component of the tour with an emotional factor — by immersing participants in the atmosphere of a medieval castle morning. Participants learn about the history of Lida Castle's construction, its defensive architecture, and the daily life of its inhabitants, as well as the remarkable events that took place here, connected with Gediminas, Vytautas, and Jogaila," the museum shared.

Visitors are introduced to the traditions of princely hunts, the peculiarities of medieval cuisine, and military affairs. They are taught old target games — "Cercle" and "Castle Ring" — and the figures of the medieval branle dance. Those who wish may try on armor, crowns, and period outfits and capture themselves for a keepsake.

The "Morning Watch" begins at the Southwestern Tower — the tower of the castle's founder, Prince Gediminas — where historical finds, weapons, and household items are displayed. The route then leads to the fighting gallery, where warriors kept the morning watch, and during an attack, archers and crossbowmen would aim at Teutonic knights through narrow loopholes. Here too one can see the original ancient masonry: the boulders and finger-shaped bricks are already 700 years old. What the owners ate will be told and shown at the castle kitchen, while in the courtyard guests are awaited by games and dances. To conclude, the "early birds" who visit Lida Castle receive special certificates sealed with stamps.

As noted at the museum, the new tour is gaining popularity. Many come to Lida specifically with an overnight stay in order to immerse themselves at dawn in the mystical atmosphere and see the city from the height of the castle walls.