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
Teglio Winter Run
Meet on 15 February at Prato Valentino The sunny adventure area of Prato Valentino kicks off the Teglio Winter Run, the winter event dedicated to runners, mountain enthusiasts, and lovers of ski mountaineering and snowshoeing.This year, the race will start in the morning under full sun, promising an even more spectacular experience. Race Route: 10 […]
Festa par i sciori – Festival of Hospitality
“Festa par i Sciori” is the Festa dell’Ospite in Aprica, now in its 18th edition! On the evening of Friday, 20 February 2026, the district of S. Pietro prepares to welcome “i Sciori” — the visitors — with an event that has long been a symbol of hospitality and warm welcome. The district, which over […]
Spring Fair
The Tirano Spring Fair is a traditional event that brings the town center to life with the arrival of the warmer season. This year, it will take place on Saturday, March 29, featuring stalls with a variety of goods, local products, and handicrafts along Piazza Basilica, Viale Italia, and the surrounding streets (Via Pedrotti, Viale […]
Alpine Culture Festival in Tirano
Three Days of Celebration to Honor the Communities of Making The communities of making represent the beating heart of the Alps: artisans and masters who preserve and pass down ancient knowledge, transforming their passion into gestures, objects, and collective memory. At the Festa della Cultura Alpina, these experiences become stories, encounters, and testimonies—offering a unique […]
Pentecost Fair
The appointment with the Pentecost Fair returns, scheduled for Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May 2026, one of the most anticipated and well-attended fair events in the area. The fair takes place over two consecutive days, coinciding with Pentecost Sunday and the following Monday, and features a large general market, with exhibitors offering both food […]
Stelvio Santini
Stelvio Santini 2026: The Ultimate Challenge on Valtellina’s Legendary Climbs If you love cycling and are looking for a true challenge among Alpine peaks, the Stelvio Santini is the perfect event. Now in its 14th edition, this granfondo is renowned for its meticulous organization and its two undisputed stars: Mortirolo and Stelvio, epic climbs that […]
Nova Eroica Switzerland 2026: Gravel and Adventure Between Valtellina and Valposchiavo
Nova Eroica Switzerland 2026 is set to energize the cycling season with a unique event dedicated to lovers of gravel riding and white roads, blending nature, sport, and conviviality. The event will take place on 13 June 2026 in Poschiavo (GR), in Valposchiavo, offering an Alpine cycling experience that combines sporting spirit with the discovery […]
Doppia W Ultra
The Doppia W is Back: Sport, Nature, and Spectacular Landscapes Between Italy and Switzerland The Doppia W returns, the event that combines sport, nature, and breathtaking landscapes across Italy and Switzerland. Valtellina and Valposchiavo become the perfect stage for trail running enthusiasts and nature adventurers on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 2026. Routes for All Levels: […]
