Glurns, Medieval commune in South Tyrol, Italy
Glurns is a commune in South Tyrol completely surrounded by medieval fortification walls with three preserved gate towers marking the entrances. The settlement sits in a narrow valley and retains a tightly woven structure of small squares and steep lanes.
The place was first mentioned in 1163 and gained official town status in 1290 from Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tirol. These two moments marked its rise from an early settlement to a recognized administrative center.
The name comes from Rhaeto-Romance origins, referring to a gorge pass that shaped its position in a narrow valley. Walking through the streets today, you notice how the compact medieval layout still influences how locals and visitors move through the town.
You can reach the town via the Vinschgau train from Merano heading toward Mals, followed by a connection on Citybus line 274 from the station. Once there, everything within the medieval walls is easily walkable since distances are short.
Inside the town walls stands the PUNI distillery, which produces whisky in Scottish tradition using local grain and Alpine water from the surrounding mountains. This is an unexpected find for visitors entering a small Italian commune.
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