Bartholomäusmarkt (St. Bartholomew's Market)

A market with roots in the Middle Ages

The Bartholomäusmarkt, or St. Bartholomew's Market, is one of the oldest traditions in the Upper Val Venosta. Its history dates back to August 24, 1291, when Count Meinhard II of Tyrol established a major market in Glorenza/Glurns for the feast of St. Bartholomew, designed as a competitor to the fair in the nearby Val Müstair. This event led to the creation of the famous Laubengasse, the arcade-lined street that still defines the historic center of the town of Glorenza, in the Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige.

The arcades, the city's commercial heart

To accommodate the market, Meinhard II fortified the path of the future arcade street and built arches along the sides of the new merchant road. Under these arcades, artisans and merchants could display and store their goods, protected from the sun, wind, and rain. In the past, this was a hub for trading salt from the Inn Valley, wine from the Valtellina, local sheep, and cereals: a crossroads of trade that made Glorenza, the smallest walled city in South Tyrol, an important center for Alpine commerce.

The rebirth of the market

After centuries, the Bartholomäusmarkt was brought back to life in 2012. Today, it is organized by Glurns Marketing in collaboration with direct producers from the Obervinschgau and is part of the Glurnser Laubenmärkte series, themed markets that animate the arcades from May to October. The St. Bartholomew event keeps the historic late-August date alive, offering visitors the chance to discover the very best of the valley's agricultural production.

What to find under the arcades

• Agricultural products from the farms of the Upper Val Venosta;
• Jams and preserves made from mountain fruit;
• Fruit vinegars and artisanal juices;
• Local crafts and traditional handiwork;
• Typical South Tyrolean specialties to taste and purchase.

An experience of history and flavor

Strolling through the arches of Glorenza during the market means immersing yourself in an atmosphere that blends the city's medieval heritage with an authentic culinary experience. The 16th-century walls commissioned by Emperor Maximilian I, the gate towers, and the arcades provide the perfect backdrop for an event designed for families, tourists, and enthusiasts of South Tyrolean folk traditions.