Malles Venosta is the second municipality in South Tyrol for territorial extension. Beautiful resort town in the province of Bolzano, on the border with Switzerland and Austria, it is surrounded by the Ötztal Alps to the east, the Ortles-Cevedale mountain range to the south and the Sesvenna mountain range to the west. Terminal station of the Val Venosta railway and obligatory point of passage to reach the Austria through the Reschenpass or Switzerland through Müstair, the area of Malles Venosta was inhabited since the Roman period, as the remains of a rustic villa reveal. The XVII century was the period of greatest splendor, when the countess Claudia De' Medici of Tyrol allowed local people to realize two fairs every year, that one of St. George in April and that one of St. Gallen in October.
In the past there were seven defensive towers, of which only five remain today.
During the summer, Malles Venosta tourists can go trekking or hiking along the mountain paths, reaching the top of the glaciers where it is possible to admire a breathtaking views or enjoy gastronomic specialties in the typical farms (masi). In winter, indeed, ski lovers can easily reach the nearby ski area of Watles.
Attractions:
- the Church of San Benedetto in Malles, with its valuable frescoes of the Carolingian period;
- the Romanesque style buildings;
- Castel Principe in Burgusio, dating back to the XIII century;
- the Benedictine monastery of Monte Maria In Burgusio, in baroque style with a beautiful XII century Romanesque crypt;
- the chapel of Santo Stefano in Burgusio (XI century);
- the small church of San Nicolò in Burgusio (XII century);
- the parish church in Burgusio dedicated to the Immaculate Conception;
- the Church of San Leonardo in Laudes, with its beautiful Gothic altar;
- the Churches of San Lucio and San Cesario in Laudes;
- the Church of San Florino in Mazia;
- the Church of San Nicolò in Planol;
- the parich church of San Lorenzo in Clusio;
- the Romanesque church of San Vito in Tarces;
- the remains of Celtic and Rhaetian period (V century BC) on the hill of Tarces;
- the Church of Maria della Neve in Alsago;
- the five towers (originally seven) of the town.