Tirano is a small alpine-valley town of approximately 9000 residents that lies in the Valtelline Valley, in the northern region of Lombardy above the Italian Lakes District. Lake Como is fed by the waters from the River Adda which passes through Tirano, and enters the lake at Colico. The town stands at approximately 400 metres above sea level.
The Valtellina area borders Switzerland, and is known for its skiing, thermal springs, wines and cheeses. The valley historically has had great importance for being a key pass through the Alps from Italy to Germany, and today is a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy the foods and wines of the district. Tirano offers an experience of a lifetime through the breathtaking rail journey to St Moritz in the Little Red Train, and for the religious pilgrims amongst us, the Sanctuary of the Madonna, where the apparition of the Virgin Mary occurred to Omodei in 1504!!
This exciting rail adventure to St Moritz is listed to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique characteristics. The Little Red Train, or Il Trinino Rosso, as it is called, departs hourly from Tirano and takes approximately two hours to reach St Moritz, and is the highest and steepest alpine railway in the world!! It is a magical journey through the most beautiful mountains in Europe and traverses the Bernina Pass at 2253 metres and the wonderful spiraling viaduct of Brusio and passes the spectacular Morterasch Glacier.
Walking distance from Tirano can be found the Sanctuary of the Madonna which is an imposing Renaissance style building, erected on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1504!! In the same piazza where the Basilica dell’Apparizione della Beata Vergine can be found is the Ethnographic Museum that resides in a beautiful 18th century residence. This museum displays detailed documentation of the Valtellina area and contains ethnographic, anthropological and sacred art collections. It also contains collections of postcards which illustrate local themes, a printing collection plus a photo and film collection!!
The town of Tirano itself is worthy of interest, as it has a long and varied history, displaying a remarkable historic centre which reflects a succession of noble residences and rural courts. The 15th century walls built during the Sforza period can still be seen, as can the only palace open to the public, the Salis Palace, home to the Salis von Zizers. This noble family, were once governors of the Valtellina, and are today producers of Salis wines. The Valtellina is a world famous wine growing region, where approximately 2500 kilometres of dry stone walls have been built to enable the growing of the renowned Nebbiolo grapes. The grape is used to produce the unique aromatic red wines such as Sforzato or Sfursat. These wines from the area also compliment the well known cheeses such as Bitto and Casera.
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