They take place three times annually: at New-year, at Easter, and at Michaelmas; but the Easter fair is by far the most important.

These commercial meetings last about three weeks, and during this time the town presents a most animated appearance, as the streets are thronged with the costumes of almost every nation, the smart dress of the Tyrolese contrasting gaily with the sombre garb of the Polish Jews.

The amount of business transacted at these fairs is very considerable; on several occasions, above twenty thousand dealers have assembled.

The trade is principally in woollen cloths; but lighter wares, and even ornaments of every description, are sold to a large extent.

The manner in which every available place is taken advantage of is very curious: archways, cellars, passages, and courtyards are alike filled with merchandise, and the streets are at times so crowded as to be almost impassable.