Tirano: Alpine Crossroads Between Italy and Switzerland
Panoramic view of Tirano with the Renaissance Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano, located along the route of the famous Bernina Red Train and on the Marian Way of the Alps.Located in the heart of Valtellina near the Swiss border, Tirano is an unmissable destination for travelers seeking nature, culture, and local traditions. This charming alpine town is famous for the Bernina Express (Trenino Rosso del Bernina), a UNESCO World Heritage train route connecting Italy to St. Moritz and crossing breathtaking landscapes of the Rhaetian Alps.
Tirano is also an important spiritual and artistic center. The Basilica of the Madonna of Tirano, built in 1504, stands as one of the most significant Renaissance sanctuaries in the Alps. The historic center preserves Sforza walls and ancient city gates, alongside elegant historic palaces like Palazzo Salis and Palazzo Merizzi, which house frescoes, noble architecture, and period gardens.
Ideal for hiking and cycling excursions along the Via dei Terrazzamenti and the Sentiero Valtellina, Tirano is part of the Città Slow network, celebrated for its authentic Valtellina cuisine, warm hospitality, and rich food and wine traditions.
Let yourself be enchanted by Tirano—your alpine vacation filled with history, flavor, and unique panoramas starts here!
Tirano and nearby areas
A crossroads of the Alps, where the Bernina Red Train meets a thousand years of history
Where to stay in Tirano and nearby
Discover hotels, B&Bs, and apartments to suit every travel style
Events and festivals
Explore things to do in Tirano and nearby
San Michele Fair
On Sunday 27 September, the centuries-old San Michele Fair returns to Tirano, one of the oldest fairs in the Alpine region. Founded in 1514 as an agricultural and commercial market held around the Basilica of the Madonna of Tirano, over the centuries the fair became the most important economic and social hub of Valtellina, as […]
Valtellina Wine Trail
On Saturday 8th November, one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year in Valtellina and one of the most popular for running enthusiasts will return: the Valtellina Wine Trail, the spectacular race that passes through vineyards, cellars, ancient villages and palaces of Valtellina before reaching the final walkway in the elegant centre of […]
San Martino Fair
On the occasion of Tirano’s Patron Saint Festival, the traditional San Martino Fair takes place. As tradition dictates, since 1834, on 11 November, the day dedicated to the commemoration of Saint Martin of Tours, patron saint of Tirano, the much-loved San Martino Fair is held once again. Along the streets of the town centre, visitors […]
