Malles village

Medieval frescoes, defiant towers, high mountains and charming markets - this is probably the best way to describe the market town of Malles, one of the oldest settlements in South Tyrol and the main village of the municipality. The houses in the cobbled centre are beautifully painted and sometimes appear stately, sometimes rural. In between there are shops, cafés, a pastry shop, the Institute for Music Education and the Civil Defence Centre, and every now and then a market. In addition to the weekly farmers' market, two traditional markets bring the alleys of Malles to life: St. George's Market in spring and the "Gollimarkt" in October, where you may taste a typical "Vinschgerle". Permission for this was given by the princess Claudia de' Medici in the 17th century.

Already from the road, which leads upwards to the Malles Heath and Lake Resia or downwards towards Merano, Malles village (Mals Markt) with its various towers catches the eye. Malles was once called "the seven-towered", today five of them still exist, true cultural treasures in a historic village centre. They are the church towers of St. Benedict, St. Martin, St. John and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, as well as the keep of Frölich Castle. Especially the St. Benedict Church should be included in your visit to the Upper Val Venosta. It dates back to the 8th century and is in excellent condition, making it one of the oldest completely preserved churches in Europe. Carolingian wall paintings from the 9th century decorate the interiors.

Around Malles, nature shows its varied side. Above the village lies the Malles Heath, the largest debris cone in the Eastern Alps. In former times it was the granary of Tyrol. Waale, the old irrigation systems, still criss-cross the landscape today and invite you to relaxing hikes. On one side of the valley, the 2,317 m high Pizzo Lun watches over the village, while on the other side Mt. Watles is enthroned, a family destination with a play lake in summer and a skiing area in winter. The SportWell indoor pool next to the railway station provides recreation after an eventful day.