🎨 HURRY - Registrations close once all spots are filled! 🎨
⚡ Special opportunity FOR MY COMMUNITY: Only 15 spots available! ⚡
⚡ Special opportunity FOR MY COMMUNITY: Only 15 spots available! ⚡

Medieval Art Retreat
in a German Castle

 1-4 October 2026 - Save the date! 

 
An exclusive experience for lovers of medieval art, where you’ll deepen your knowledge, connect with like-minded souls, and live your passion in the magical setting of an authentic medieval castle.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

Medieval Art Retreat
in a German Castle

 1-4 October 2026 - Save the date! 

 
An exclusive experience for lovers of medieval art, where you’ll deepen your knowledge, connect with like-minded souls, and live your passion in the magical setting of an authentic medieval castle.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

Live a Medieval Dream with Julia

 

Imagine waking up in a 1,000-year-old castle perched on a hilltop, surrounded by vineyards and foggy valleys, where stone walls whisper stories of ancient times.

For four full days, you’ll dive deep into the art of the Middle Ages. Under my guidance, you will master the techniques of illuminated manuscripts, find inspiration in the castle’s secret corners, and connect with a community that shares your passion for the past.

This is not just a retreat. It’s a creative sanctuary, designed to help you disconnect from the modern world and rediscover the beauty, mystery, and magic of medieval, handmade art.

A Full Immersion in History, Art & Connection


During these four full days, you will do more than just attend a workshop – you will inhabit the world of the medieval artist.

Inside the walls of Burg Staufenberg, you’ll find the perfect balance of creative focus and curated experiences. Between our four hands-on workshops, we will wander the castle grounds on a private historical tour and forage for botanical inspiration during a nature walk through the surrounding Hesse vineyards.

This is a space to breathe, to create, and to connect with a small, intimate community of fellow artists who share your obsession with the beauty of the Middle Ages. 

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

A Full Immersion in History, Art & Connection


During these four full days, you will do more than just attend a workshop – you will inhabit the world of the medieval artist.

Inside the walls of Burg Staufenberg, you’ll find the perfect balance of creative focus and curated experiences. Between our four hands-on workshops, we will wander the castle grounds on a private historical tour and forage for botanical inspiration during a nature walk through the surrounding Hesse vineyards.

This is a space to breathe, to create, and to connect with a small, intimate community of fellow artists who share your obsession with the beauty of the Middle Ages. 

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

What Awaits You 

Medieval Art Workshops

Comprehensive hands-on sessions covering layout, gold leaf, medieval beasts, and botanical details.

Guided Discovery

A private tour of the castle’s history and a guided nature walk to forage for botanical inspiration.

A Historic Home

3 nights of luxury accommodation inside the authentic 13th-century Burg Staufenberg.

Creative Community:

Shared meals and evening conversations with a small, intimate group of like-minded souls.

Where We’ll Stay:
Burg Staufenberg Castle Hotel

Step into history. Burg Staufenberg is a genuine 13th-century castle turned hotel, where each room has its own unique charm: from wooden-beamed ceilings to panoramic views of the German countryside. You’ll feel like a medieval noble for the weekend (minus the plague and arranged marriages).

This castle is more than just a place to sleep, it’s the soul of the retreat, an inspiration in stone and ivy, where every corridor sparks your imagination and every corner is begging to be sketched.

Medieval Flavors at the Castle Tavern

 

The castle’s on-site restaurant serves regional German cuisine with a touch of medieval flair – think roast meats, hearty stews, fresh bread, and local wines. Meals will be shared in the atmospheric dining hall or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.

Quiet Luxury in the Rooms

 

Every room at Burg Staufenberg combines medieval elegance with modern comfort. Cozy beds, castle-style interiors, and views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel. Expect quiet mornings, soft lighting, and the kind of peace you only find in places steeped in history.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Where We’ll Stay: Burg Staufenberg Castle Hotel

Step into history. Burg Staufenberg is a genuine 13th-century castle turned hotel, where each room has its own unique charm: from wooden-beamed ceilings to panoramic views of the German countryside. You’ll feel like a medieval noble for the weekend (minus the plague and arranged marriages).

This castle is more than just a place to sleep, it’s the soul of the retreat, an inspiration in stone and ivy, where every corridor sparks your imagination and every corner is begging to be sketched.

Medieval Flavors at the Castle Tavern


The castle’s on-site restaurant serves regional German cuisine with a touch of medieval flair – think roast meats, hearty stews, fresh bread, and local wines. Meals will be shared in the atmospheric dining hall or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.

Quiet Luxury in the Rooms


Every room at Burg Staufenberg combines medieval elegance with modern comfort. Cozy beds, castle-style interiors, and views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel. Expect quiet mornings, soft lighting, and the kind of peace you only find in places steeped in history.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Learn with Julia:
4 Exclusive Medieval Art Workshops

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, these workshops will help you unlock the secrets of medieval art and bring the past to life on the page.

Workshop 1:
The Golden Foundation

We begin at the very heart of medieval art. After a brief introduction to composition, you will sketch your own custom initial. To follow historical tradition, gilding comes first. You will learn a specialized, accessible gilding technique – using genuine gold leaf without the need for complex polishing – to set the foundation for your masterpiece.

Workshop 2:
Ornamentation & Fine Detail

With your gold leaf securely set, we move into the intricate world of medieval ornamentation. You will learn how to build patterns and details around your golden initial, preparing the piece for the first layers of color.

Workshop 3:
Painting the Past

Create an illuminated miniature to immerse yourself in the medieval animal world and learn how to breathe life into a creature with simple layers of paint.

Workshop 4:
The Botanical Manuscript

Translate nature into art. Using the flowers gathered on our nature walk, you will learn to paint delicate floral ornaments that bridge the gap between the garden and the parchment.

Learn with Julia:
4 Exclusive Medieval Art Workshops

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, these workshops will help you unlock the secrets of medieval art and bring the past to life on the page.

Workshop 1:
The Golden Foundation

We begin at the very heart of medieval art. After a brief introduction to composition, you will sketch your own custom initial. To follow historical tradition, gilding comes first. You will learn a specialized, accessible gilding technique – using genuine gold leaf without the need for complex polishing – to set the foundation for your masterpiece.

Workshop 2:
Ornamentation & Fine Detail

With your gold leaf securely set, we move into the intricate world of medieval ornamentation. You will learn how to build patterns and details around your golden initial, preparing the piece for the first layers of color.

Workshop 3:
Painting the Past

Create an illuminated miniature to immerse yourself in the medieval animal world and learn how to breathe life into a creature with simple layers of paint.

Workshop 4:
The Botanical Manuscript

Translate nature into art. Using the flowers gathered on our nature walk, you will learn to paint delicate floral ornaments that bridge the gap between the garden and the parchment.

The Retreat Program

Three days of creativity, learning, and connection in an unforgettable medieval setting.

📍Day 1 – Thursday: The Castle’s Secrets

🕙 From 10:00 – Arrival & Check-in
➡️ Explore the castle, settle into your room, and soak in the view.

🕛 13:00 – Welcome Lunch
➡️ Gather in the castle dining hall and meet your fellow participants.

🕒 14:30 – Private Guided Castle Tour
➡️ Exploring the architecture of Burg Staufenberg.

🕒 16:00 – Workshop #1: The Golden Foundation
➡️ Design your unique initial and apply your first layer of genuine gold leaf.

🌙 20:00 – Dinner & Medieval Vibes
➡️ Shared dinner and free time for castle walks or cozy chats by candlelight.

📍Day 2 – Friday: Foraging & Gold

☕ 9:00 – Breakfast with a View
➡️ Start your day with fresh bread, coffee, and castle charm.

🕙 10:30 – Workshop #2: Ornamentation & Detail
➡️ Build intricate patterns around your gold leaf and prepare your colors.

🍽 13:00 – Lunch Break
➡️ Time to relax, share impressions, and refuel with hearty castle cuisine.

🕒 15:00 – Inspirational Nature Walk
➡️ Flower picking in the castle vineyards.

🎨 17:30 – Free Time
➡️ Finish your work from this morning, sketch on the terrace, stroll through the vineyards, or just rest.

🌙 20:00 – Shared Castle Dinner
➡️ Shared dinner and free time.

📍Day 3 – Saturday: Bestiaries & Botanicals

☕ 9:00 – Breakfast with a View
➡️ Start your day with fresh bread, coffee, and castle charm.

🕙 10:30 – Workshop #3: Painting the Past
➡️ Create your story-telling illuminated miniature and breathe life into your creature with layers of rich paint.

🍽 13:00 – Lunch Break
➡️ Time to relax, share impressions, and refuel with hearty castle cuisine.

🎨 15:00 – Workshop #4: The Botanical Manuscript
➡️ Translate the organic forms of your foraged flowers into delicate, stylized medieval ornaments.

🕔 18:00 – Free Time / Creative Flow
➡️ Sketch, rest, or connect with your new friends before dinner.

🕗 20:30 – Festive Farewell Dinner
➡️ One last magical night with new friends and old stories.

📍Day 4 – Sunday: The Grand Finale

☕ 9:00 – Breakfast & Check-out
➡️ One last breakfast in the castle & time to reflect.

🕙 10:30 – Final Art Session
➡️ Finishing touches and group exhibition.

🍽 13:00 – Farewell Celebration Lunch
➡️ A final long lunch to toast our creations.

💨 Afternoon – Departure
➡️ Return home filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration.

Snapshots from our last Retreat:

 The Burghotel Staufenberg was an excellent location - beautiful venue in a lovely town. Amazing food. Restaurant staff went over and beyond to look after us. Accomodation was clean and comfortable.

 

Julia's expertise and gentle step by step instructions helped me to learn and take home the skills necessary to start practicing and enjoying Book Illumination on my own. The class, the venue, and the new friends I made among the other students - all from various countries and all dedicated to learning and enjoying the craft - made traveling from Colorado to Germany more than worth the trip.

 

Finally meeting Julia in person after doing online workshops made it very special. The group all felt it was a special experience. Wanted to give a ten out of ten, questionnaire only states 1 to 5. This needs amending ;) 

 

Our group connected immediately. There was a close bond that continues beyond leaving the retreat.

What's Included

 

✅ 3 Nights at the 13th-century Burg Staufenberg Hotel (shared or private room)

✅ Full-board meals (4 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts)

✅ 4 Professional Art Workshops with Julia

✅ All high-quality art materials & specialized tools (including professional Genuine Gold Leaf)

✅ Private Guided Castle Tour

✅ Botanical Nature Walk

What's Not Included: 

 

❌ Transport to & from the castle

❌ Alcoholic beverages

❌ Personal travel insurance

❌ Any other personal expenses

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

 REGISTRATIONS OPEN UNTIL   SUNDAY 17th MAY 

 ⚡ Limited spots available! ⚡ 

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 🚨 There are only 15 spots available for this retreat, so hurry up and reserve your spot soon! Registrations will close as soon as we reach maximum capacity. 🚨 

Choose Your Room and Reserve Your Spot

 

EARLY ACCESS CLOSES ON SUNDAY 10th MAY

Spots are limited and only 15 people will be able to join the retreat, so make sure to book as soon as possible to secure your spot, as registrations will close as soon as we reach maximum capacity. 


👇🏻 COMING WITH FRIENDS, A PARTNER, OR FAMILY?
If you're joining with friends, a partner, or family and would like to share the same room, each person will need to book their spot individually. After booking, just have one of you let us know you'd like to stay together — you’ll find instructions on how to do this in the confirmation email you’ll receive after purchasing.

👇🏻 COMING SOLO?
No problem at all! If you choose a shared room, we’ll pair you with another participant who is also attending solo and looking to connect with fellow creatives. The shared rooms are comfortable and cozy, with separate beds for each guest.

 

Book Now, Pay in Two Installments

You won’t need to pay the full amount upfront. To reserve your spot, we ask for a €900 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be due by July 31st.

Prices are per person and cover the entire stay.

I can't wait to see you there!

SHARED ROOM

€1,397

🎨 4-DAY MEDIEVAL ART RETREAT IN A GERMAN CASTLE
📅 1-4 OCTOBER 2026

Due now: only €900 deposit
Due on 31st July 2026: €497

What's included:

  • 3 nights accommodation (shared room)
  • Full-board meals (4 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts)
  • 4 exclusive medieval art workshops with Julia
  • All activities & tours (Guided tour through the castle, inspirational nature walk & flower picking)
  • Art material provided
  • Guided support, feedback, and creative community

What's not included:

  • Transport to & from the castle

  •  Alcoholic beverages

  •  Personal travel insurance

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

PRIVATE ROOM
SOLD OUT

€1,587

🎨 4-DAY MEDIEVAL ART RETREAT IN A GERMAN CASTLE
📅 1-4 OCTOBER 2026

 Due now: only €900 deposit
Due on 31st July 2026: €687

What's included:

  • 3 nights accommodation (private room)
  • Full-board meals (4 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts)
  • 4 exclusive medieval art workshops with Julia
  • All activities & tours (Guided tour through the castle, inspirational nature walk & flower picking)
  • Art material provided
  • Guided support, feedback, and creative community

What's not included:

  • Transport to & from the castle

  •  Alcoholic beverages

  •  Personal travel insurance

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Frequently Asked Questions