Medieval St. Martin's Market Bergisch Gladbach

Medieval Meets St. Martin's Traditions

The Medieval St. Martin's Market is an established market event in Bergisch Gladbach's city center. For over 20 years, RheinBergTourismus and the IG Bergisch Gladbach-Stadtmitte have organized a weekend annually around St. Martin's Day (November 11th) that combines the Middle Ages, craftsmanship, and St. Martin's traditions.

Konrad-Adenauer-Platz as the Stage

The venue is the central Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, a square named after the former Federal Chancellor — Adenauer was mayor of neighboring Cologne. For one weekend, the market transforms this modern square into a medieval world: market stalls in wooden huts, craftspeople in authentic attire present blacksmith work, leather crafts, ceramics, weaving, felt art, and alchemical apothecary skills.

Program and Atmosphere

In addition to the market stalls, there is a diverse supporting program: medieval music (hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, drums), jester performances, readings of medieval texts. Culinary delights include mulled wine, mead, stick bread, hearty stews, and game sausages. For children, there are craft activities and interactive knight experiences.

Connection to St. Martin's Traditions

The market's title refers to Saint Martin — patron saint of the poor and travelers, whose feast day is celebrated on November 11th. In the Rhineland region, St. Martin's Day is traditionally associated with children's parades and lantern festivals; the market bridges medieval culture and this regional tradition.

Bergisch Gladbach in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis

Bergisch Gladbach is the largest city in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, located east of Cologne. With approximately 110,000 inhabitants, it has a vibrant city center and active community life — the St. Martin's Market is one of the city's established major events.