In the midst of bustling, rustic, multi-faceted Vinschgau valley there is a place to take you right back to the Middle Ages. Where you can stroll along walls of a metre's thickness, with market stallholders loudly advertising their wares and where a night watchman ensures peace and quiet when it gets late. Glurns, which enjoys 'city' status, will charm everyone.

Behind walls

The impressive walls completely surrounding the city with their round, fortified towers are clearly visible from far off. Drawing closer and passing through one of the three gates, the fact that something is different about this place is plain to see. It is said that the city's history may be felt in every nook and cranny and that even the inhabitants of Glurns sometimes forget that we are actually living in the 21st century.

At some points on the city wall there are steps that take you up to the old crenels, allowing a peep outside or a magical glimpse over the rooftops of the town. The tower of the Church of St. Pancras with its onion-shaped porch roof, which, although situated outside the walls, is still well worth a visit, is immediately distinguishable.

Visitors pass over cobbles and past old townhouses, before little alleyways and streets covered with arches suddenly open up before them, just waiting to be discovered.

Markets like they used to be

Even though Glurns is the smallest city in South Tyrol and indeed in the Alps, with just 900 inhabitants, its long history quickly makes up for this. The place was first granted the right to hold a market in the 14th century and was one of the most important trading posts in the Middle Ages, being ideally located near the border with Switzerland. The largest and longest market was Bartholomew's market along the 'Laubengasse', or arcades, held on the 24th August and lasting for 10 days.

Markets are still held on this street today. A special atmosphere takes hold of the city when the 2 largest markets, the above-mentioned Bartholomew's market, still held on 24th August, and the 'Sealamorkt' (http://www.suedtirol.com/vinschgau/glurns/allerseelenmarkt) on the 2nd of November. These are 'must-attend' events for many of the locals! A Glurns native explains why: “You can work at any time, but these markets are only on once a year“. The narrow streets and alleys come alive for other festivities too, such as the 'Pala-Bira-Days' or 'Glurns Advent'.

A destination in itself and base for excursions

Anyone wishing to do sports can make use of Via Claudia Augusta, which runs right along the city wall. It is ideal for discovering Vinschgau by bike! There is a hike to 'Glurnser Köpfl' which affords superb views of the city and surrounding area.

It's quite easy to understand why the people of Glurns are so proud of being 'city folk' and feel completely at ease within their city walls. The expression 'small is beautiful' could have been invented to describe Glurns. A real gem of the Vinschgau valley.