This northern Italian border town sits on mountain slopes near Switzerland, with its silk factories, central plaza, and year-round activities from winter skiing to summer hiking trails.
Tirano, a small town of 9,000 residents in northern Italy's Lombardy region, sits at the foot of the Alps between Italy and Switzerland. You can board the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express railway here, walk through streets lined with 16th-century palaces, or climb mountain paths to panoramic viewpoints. The town's centerpiece, the Madonna di Tirano Sanctuary, rises above the medieval stone streets with its Renaissance dome and bell tower.
The Bernina Express Route
The Bernina Express departs from Tirano's meter-gauge station daily, taking you through the Swiss Alps to St. Moritz. During the four-hour journey, the train crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, reaching 2,253 meters at Bernina Pass. You can book a one-way trip, return after lunch in Switzerland, or continue to Milan via Lake Como. The panoramic cars have ceiling-high windows for viewing the glaciers, peaks, and valleys.
Madonna di Tirano Sanctuary
This Renaissance basilica dates to 1504, built after an alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary. The interior walls display detailed frescoes, and a massive organ from the early 17th century dominates the northern wall. According to local accounts, the Virgin Mary promised to end a plague outbreak if the town built a church at this location. The sanctuary opens daily from 7:00 to 19:00, with free entry.
Walking Through the Old Town
The historic center begins where the Adda and Poschiavino rivers meet. Stone-paved streets lead to Renaissance-era buildings like Palazzo Salis, with its trompe l'oeil wall paintings. While guided tours access some palace interiors, you can explore the external architecture and courtyards independently. Look for three medieval gates - Bormina, Poschiavina, and Milanese - remaining from the original town walls.
Regional Food and Wine
Winemakers cultivate vines on the mountain terraces around Tirano, producing Sforzato and Valtellina Superiore wines. Try pizzoccheri, a local dish of buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cheese, and vegetables. Traditional restaurants prepare sciatt (fried cheese balls made with buckwheat) and chisciöl (buckwheat pancakes with cheese).
Museums and Culture
The Ethnographic Museum (MET) occupies an 18th-century penitentiary building near the basilica. Its exhibits include farming tools, traditional costumes, and artifacts from Alpine life. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00. At Palazzo Salis, you can explore furnished 17th-century rooms and browse the family library. The museum documents display the town's role in Alpine trade.
Hiking Around Tirano
The Sentiero della Madonna trail starts behind the sanctuary and climbs to the Church of San Romerio, with views across the valley floor. The ascent takes about 45 minutes, with rest benches along the route. Check water level warnings near the Adda river during spring snowmelt. The tourist office in Piazzale delle Stazioni provides maps for longer routes like the Alta Via della Valtellina and Monte Masuccio trails.
