Tirano

Welcome to Tirano, a captivating town of approximately ten thousand residents situated precisely at the threshold between Italy and Switzerland. As you stand here, you are at a geographical and cultural crossroads where the…

We begin our journey in the heart of the town's modern activity: the Piazza delle Stazioni. This square is a remarkable place where two different railway systems—and essentially two different national spirits—meet side-by-side. …

Following the main road toward the western edge of town, we arrive at the most sacred site in the region: the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano. This beautiful Catholic church was built following a miraculous event in 1504. …

While the city walls of Tirano are no longer fully intact, we can still find significant remnants of its medieval defensive system. One of the most prominent is the Porta Milanese, one of the original three gates that guarded the…

As we cross the bridge into the old quarter, we find ourselves above the rushing waters of the Poschiavo River. This river comes directly down from Switzerland, following the same valley carved out by the Bernina Express. …

Entering the Piazza Cavour, the heart of the old town, we are greeted by the impressive facade of Palazzo Marinoni, which now serves as the Town Hall. This grand building is a testament to the civic pride and administrative…

Leaving the grand squares behind, we venture into the narrow, winding streets of the 'Borgo Vecchio', or old town. This is where the 2,000-year history of Tirano is most palpable. …

As our walk through Tirano concludes, I hope you have gained an appreciation for this town's remarkable ability to exist in two worlds at once. It is a place of transit, where the great red trains of the Bernina Express connect…