Tuscan Market Reutlingen

A City Partnership Over 35 Years Old

Reutlingen and Pistoia have been partner cities since 1989 — one of the most intensive German-Italian city connections in Southern Germany. The association Amicizia Pistoia-Reutlingen e.V., which supports the relationship, has been organizing the Tuscan Market for years as the most visible sign of this friendship. Here, you won't just experience an Italian market, but a genuine encounter between two cities — the exhibitors come from Pistoia and its surroundings, speak their Italian, and bring the Tuscan way of life with them.

Setting: St. Mary's Church and Weibermarkt

The Gothic St. Mary's Church from the 14th century, with its two unequal towers, is the landmark of Reutlingen's city center — it is one of the most important Gothic hall churches in Southern Germany. The Weibermarkt, a historic square in the shadow of the church, is the ideal stage for the market. You'll stroll between medieval architecture and Italian market atmosphere, with the scent of freshly pressed olive oil in the air.

Specialities from Tuscany

The approximately 30 exhibitors bring a concentrated best-of of Tuscan food culture: olive oil from the slopes around Pistoia, fresh Pecorino and aged sheep cheese, Lucanian salami and Finocchiona, truffle pastes and truffle ham, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, Aceto Balsamico from Modena, fresh pasta, Cantuccini, Panforte, and confectionery. Accompanied by Chianti wines, Vino Nobile, Brunello di Montalcino, Vin Santo, and Limoncello.

Program and Cultural Accompanying Events

In addition to the sales stands, musical performances accompany the market: Italian singers, mandolin music, and occasionally a Tuscan choir. In the neighboring town hall, lectures on the Tuscan way of life, the history of Pistoia, and olive cultivation take place. You can participate in olive oil tastings, try espresso from a portafilter machine, and spend a whole afternoon in an Italian atmosphere.

Reutlingen and the Market Tradition

Reutlingen, a central town in Württemberg with a good 117,000 inhabitants and the gateway to the Swabian Jura, looks back on a long market history. The weekly market around St. Mary's Church has been documented since the Middle Ages. The Tuscan Market builds on this tradition — and adds a special cultural accent to Reutlingen's city center.