Photo: Ghisolabella · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Tirano
Valtellina border town: Bernina Express start, pilgrimage church, mountain walks.
Tirano is a small Valtellina town right on the Swiss border, where the Bernina Express rail line starts its climb into the Alps. It has a compact old centre, a famous pilgrimage church and easy day trips by train or on foot.
Places to see
- Madonna di Tirano SanctuaryChurch · A large Renaissance pilgrimage church with a grand façade and a richly decorated interior.Free
Palazzo SalisSight · A grand 17th-century noble palace in the middle of the old town.Free
Brusio Spiral ViaductSight · A curved stone viaduct with nine arches where the red train loops a full circle to gain…Free
When to go
- Jan4° / -4°Mostly dryQuiet
- Feb7° / -3°Mostly dryQuiet
- Mar12° / 1°Some rainQuiet
- Apr16° / 5°Some rainQuiet
- May21° / 9°Often wetBusy
- Jun25° / 13°Some rainBusy
- Jul28° / 15°Some rainVery busy
- Aug27° / 15°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Old centre. Streets around Piazza Marinoni, Palazzo Salis and San Martino, a short walk from the station.
Station area. Trains, buses and the Bernina line start here; handy for early departures.
Flying in
Milan Bergamo (BGY): Bus or train to Milan or Lecco, then the regional train along the lake to…, about 3 h 20 min, ≈ A$39.
Milan Malpensa (MXP): Airport train to Milan Centrale, then a direct regional train via Lecco and…, about 4 h, ≈ A$49.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Tirano; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$4. The old centre, the station and the basilica are all within a short walk. Regional trains and buses run along the Valtellina valley, and the Bernina Express rail line crosses into Switzerland (reservation needed on the scenic train, check…
Tourist tax
Tirano may charge a small per-night tourist tax, usually collected at the accommodation and paid in cash. Amounts and age limits vary and some places only charge in season (check).
