Tirano

Tirano has a lot going on in terms of its geography. After all, it’s where Switzerland and Italy meet, where the Aprica and Bernina passes merge, and on the road connecting Milan with the upper part of Valtellina. For a dose of ancient history, quaint old town charm and appealing views of centuries-old buildings, Tirano’s wealth of churches, palazzis, towers, castles and medieval gates have many stories to recount.

Most notably, Tirano is home to the only Basilica in the province of Sondrio. The Santuario della Madonna di Tirano was built in the very spot where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin appeared in front of local resident Mario Omodei on 29th September 1504, promising an end to the plague. Believers from across Europe have long flocked to this important reference point. Explore the many palazzi from the 1500s and 1600s that line the charming lanes in the old town, including the outstanding Palazzo Salis with its beautiful frescoes, and the Palazzo Merizzi, home to many furnished period rooms in the style of Louis XIV and a spectacular Italian-style, square plan garden.  

Easy to navigate on foot, check out Tirano’s Ethnographic Museum (the Museo Etnografico Tiranese) situated in the house of the Penitentiary overlooking the historic piazza of the Basilica. From here, meander through Tirano’s picture-book lanes to see the ancient Sforza walls with the Bormina, Milanese and Poschiavina gates. Head up above the town to admire the ancient church of Santa Perpetua, which was a cornerstone for communication between Valtellina and Valcamonica with the valleys of the Rhine and the Inn.

A trip on the famous UNESCO-listed red Bernina Express railway should feature on everyone’s Valtellina itinerary. Hop on board in Tirano, where the unforgettable cross-border journey begins, taking you up to the high-altitude Ospizio Bernina, the upper Engadin valley, the town of St Moritz and the valley of the River Inn – it makes for an unforgettable day trip, with breath-taking panoramas, culture, traditions, and captivating places unlike anywhere else.

For families, couples, or friends, Tirano is a great travel destination – energetic yet wholly free from stress, it’s the ultimate spot for resetting body and mind on a crowd-dodging escape from the city. Other than its rich history and cultural agenda, visitors can add hikes in unspoilt nature to their itinerary, enjoying the temperate year-round climate. Head into, or simply gaze up at the imposing Orobic Alps as you explore the quaint Valtellina villages. Tirano and Media Valtellina are paradise for cyclists: whether it’s road or mountain biking that takes your fancy, lovers of two wheels can get their fill in a landscape that caters for all abilities. 

Tirano has been internationally certified by the Slow Food network as a città del buon vivere, in recognition of the town’s commitment to preserving its cultural, natural, and historical heritage, and for upholding the quality of its gastronomy and cuisine through its recipes and traditions that have been lovingly nurtured throughout the generations.