Cheese Market

A unique market dedicated to raw milk

The Cheese Market in Civitella in Val di Chiana is an event that, for over twenty years, has carved out a very special place in the food and wine scene, reaching far beyond the regional level. Organized by the Municipality of Civitella in Val di Chiana in collaboration with Slow Food Valdichiana, the market is exclusively dedicated to raw milk cheeses, produced according to specific standards that guarantee their authenticity and connection to the territory. It is a highly anticipated appointment, scheduled every year on the third Sunday of May in the charming medieval village dominated by its fortress.

Cheeses, cheesemakers, and Slow Food Presidia

The heart of the day is found at the stalls of small-scale pecorino and goat cheese producers, who do more than just display and sell their products; they share their stories, production techniques, and the value of the short supply chain. Among the featured products are ricotta, raviggiolo, and Slow Food Presidia—those rare, at-risk products that the association works hard to protect. Notable among these is the Caciofiore della campagna romana, an ancient cheese made with vegetable rennet. The event is a true celebration of raw milk cheesemaking as an authentic expression of a territory and its biodiversity.

The day's program

The market Sunday opens early in the morning with the Cheese Walk, a hike through the Valdichiana landscape organized by the Sentieri in Comune association, departing from the village around 9:30 AM. In the afternoon, around 5:00 PM, an in-depth session promoted by Slow Food and the producers is scheduled, focusing on the defense of raw milk cheese and the principles of good, clean, and fair food. Over the years, the market has also hosted book presentations and meetings with prominent figures from the Slow Food world, enriching the day with cultural moments.

A bridge between Tuscany and Germany

Among the most characteristic guests at the Cheese Market are our friends from the twin town of Kämpfelbach, Germany, who bring their beer and traditional products to Civitella. There is also space for solidarity, with groups like Mani & Cuori per il Calcit offering handmade blankets and crafts to support charitable initiatives.

Civitella in Val di Chiana, a village to discover

The event is also the perfect opportunity to visit Civitella in Val di Chiana, a stunning village in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, dominated by the ruins of its medieval fortress. Strolling through the streets of the historic center, amidst ancient stones and fragrant cheese stalls, is a way to experience the authentic rural soul of the Valdichiana, a land of dairy traditions and gentle, rolling hills.