Georgimorkt (Georgimarkt)

A centuries-old market in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley

The Georgimorkt (known in German as Georgimarkt, or St. George's Market) is one of the most iconic events in the municipality of Malles Venosta/Mals, in the autonomous province of Bolzano/Bozen, Trentino-Alto Adige. It takes place every year on April 23rd, St. George's Day, transforming the historic town center into a large open-air market dedicated to spring and nature.

History: Since 1642 under Claudia de' Medici

The market's origins date back to 1642, when the Regent of Tyrol, Claudia de' Medici, with the approval of Emperor Ferdinand III, granted Malles its coat of arms and the right to hold two annual fairs: the Georgimarkt on April 23rd and the Gollimarkt on October 16th. This privilege earned Malles the status of a market town (Marktflecken), which defined its commercial importance in the Upper Vinschgau Valley for centuries.

A market for plants and spring

During the 20th century, the Georgimarkt gradually lost its prominence, eventually being suspended in the 1960s with the introduction of the weekly market. Its tradition was revived through the efforts of local cultural associations, and today it has returned to being a popular event with a very specific focus: a plant and flower market. Along the town streets, dozens of stalls offer:

• flowers, ornamental plants, and roses;
• seeds, vegetable seedlings, and fruit trees;
• trees, shrubs, and aromatic herbs;
• agricultural products and Vinschgau gastronomic specialties;
• crafts and typical products from the Obervinschgau.

Atmosphere and setting

The Georgimorkt symbolically marks the beginning of the warm season in the Upper Vinschgau Valley: farmers, gardeners, and families take the opportunity to purchase vegetable and garden plants before the spring sowing. The stalls are complemented by refreshment points serving local culinary specialties, offered by local restaurateurs. The market is organized with the support of the Tourismusgenossenschaft Obervinschgau tourism cooperative and the Municipality of Malles Venosta.

Why visit

For those visiting South Tyrol in spring, the Georgimorkt is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic Obervinschgau tradition, far from the main tourist crowds. Malles, a village with ancient towers and medieval frescoes, provides a stunning backdrop for a day that blends nature, gastronomy, and local folk culture.