Between the Romanesque valley of Malles/Mals with its 7 churches, and Castelbello/Kastelbell, known for its good food, one can still encounter
old Pala pear trees, standing solitary in the sunny landscape. These long and gnarled trees can grow alone or in groups. The Pala pears, also known as Turkish pears, have long enjoyed a reputation for being
very healthy. They even used to be sold by
doctors and pharmacists.
The Pala pear was first mentioned during the first Venosta Valley fruit-tree survey in the year 1755. The pears used to be dried and processed to make sweet flour, "Weihnachtszelten" or
Pala pear bread. For a long time, dry fruits were used in place of sugar for the making of Christmas desserts.
At the beginning of September the historic town of
Glorenza/Glurns in Venosta Valley is characterized by the Pala pear. At the Pala Pear Days of Venosta Valley, specialties dedicated to this ancient pear variety can be tasted and purchased.