Guide to Tirano: Must-See Attractions, Special Events, Things to Do
Guide to Tirano: Must-See Attractions, Special Events, Things to Do
Tirano is a town located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It lies in the province of Sondrio, near the border with Switzerland. Tirano is known for its picturesque setting amidst the Alps and its rich historical and cultural heritage.
The city is also famous as the southern terminus of the Bernina Express, a scenic railway route that traverses the stunning landscapes of the Bernina Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you’re passing through on a Bernina Express tour or extending your stay, our complete guide covers all you need to know. Delve into must-see attractions, uncover special events, and activities, ensuring an unforgettable visit to this captivating destination.
Quick Facts about Tirano
Must-See Attractions in Tirano
Basilica Madonna di Tirano
This Renaissance basilica features three naves, a Latin cross layout, and lavish stucco and sculpture work. It houses a monumental organ and intricate carvings.
Old City Walls
The historic fortifications from the 14th and late 15th centuries, including the three gates: Porta Poschiavina, Porta Bormina, and Porta Milanese. Discover remnants of Sta Maria Castle.
City Church of San Martino
Visit this historic church in the heart of Tirano.
Mariano Spasmo Church
Another notable religious site in Tirano.
Palaces
Palazzo Salis (Museo Palazzo Salis)
Explore this historic palace, today a museum where you can see admire fresques from the 17th/18th centuries.
Palazzo Pretorio
Formerly the seat of the Podestà, this palace has significant historical importance.
Palazzo Marinoni (Town Hall)
Discover the town’s administrative center housed in this elegant palace.
Palazzo del Penitenziere
The 18th century palace now houses the Museo Etnografico Tiranese, which is dedicated to researching and documenting the life and culture of the montane rural environment of Valtellina.
Palazzo Torelli, Palazzo Pievani, Palazzo Trombini
These palaces add to the architectural charm of Tirano, reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage.
Castello San Maria Diroccato
The origins of the ruined castle go back to the fifteenth century, to the time of Ludovico Maria Sforza, called il Moro, the Duke of Milan and sponsor of Leonardo da Vinci.
Most Important Sights around Tirano
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore di Sondalo
Built in 1440 and recognized as a national monument in 1859, the church features a notable series of 15th and 16th-century paintings.
Torre de li Beli Miri
The tower is the sole remnant of a medieval castle. Perched atop a hill amidst lush greenery, it offers stunning panoramic views spanning approximately 60 kilometers.
Palazzo Besta – Antiquarium Tellinum
Constructed in 1433, this building stands as one of the Lombard Renaissance’s most significant residences. The antiquarium on the first floor houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts spanning from the 8th millennium BC to Roman times.
Museo Civico di Villa Visconti Venosta
Inside the villa of the noble Italian family Visconti, you can admire period furniture and precious art objects.
What Can I Do in Tirano?
Tirano boasts charming streets, historic buildings, and local shops and eateries where visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic Italian atmosphere. The town serves as a gateway to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Here’s an overview of things to do in Tirano, categorized into winter and summer activities:
Activities for the Winter
In winter, Tirano and its surrounding areas offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy amidst the snowy landscapes. Here are some popular winter activities in Tirano:
Activities for the Summer
In the summer, Tirano and its surroundings offer a host of activities for visitors to enjoy in the warm weather. Here are some popular summer activities in Tirano:
Top Bestseller Bernina Express Ticket
Official Bernina Express panoramic train tickets with mandatory seat reservations, panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, and UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery:
Bernina Express Ticket + Seat Reservation
90+ Reviews
€87.03
Headout
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb up to the Bernina Pass is unforgettable. Booked early on Headout and everything was seamless.” – Mark, April 2025
Best Handpicked Bernina Express Tour Options
Guided Bernina route tours departing from Milan, Tirano, and St. Moritz using regional Red Bernina trains, combining scenic rail rides with sightseeing stops and free time:
From Milan: Bernina Train Guided Tour to St. Moritz
2.7K+ Reviews
€104
GetYourGuide
“Absolutely stunning train journey! Well worth the money! Lots of snow but would love to do it again in spring/summer […]” Ian, Jan. 2026
From Milan: Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Tour
5.6K+ Reviews
€175
GetYourGuide
“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. The blue sky and sun made everything more beautiful….”
Bernina Red Train: Roundtrip from Milan
65+ Reviews
€149
Tiqets
“Wonderful experience through the alps. Roberto was very polite and our driver was fantastic. It’s a long day but the views are spectacular and very much worthwhile doing.” Anonymous, Jul. 2025
From Tirano: Bernina Train to St. Moritz
250+ Reviews
€63
GetYourGuide
“Do it without fear!!! I loved it so much. Beautiful views. I don’t regret it and it’s totally worth it. We came with my grandmother who is in a wheelchair and it was super simple!! I loved it so much” Maryane, Feb 2024
From Saint Moritz: Bernina Train to Tirano
90+ Reviews
€63
GetYourGuide
“Excellent experience, beautiful landscapes! Insuperable”
Affordable Alternatives to Bernina Express Tickets
Regional Bernina Red Train tickets on the same UNESCO-listed route, offering flexible departures and great views; please note this is not the Bernina Express panoramic train:
Red Bernina Train Ticket
180+ Reviews
€30.48
Headout
“[…]This experience must be lived, not heard or seen in pictures. It must be seen with your own eyes, not with someone else’s…” Nicolae, Jan. 2026
Bestselling Train Pass Options
Swiss rail passes providing unlimited train travel across Switzerland, including the Bernina route, with flexible travel days and mobile access. Seat reservations are not included and must be booked separately.
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
310+ Reviews
€289.40
Headout
“Excellent option and savings! Everything works very well […]A 100!!! It has discounts and free tickets at many attractions.”
Interrail Switzerland Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train
200+ Reviews
€202.90
Headout
“[…] The Interrail Swiss pass was very easy to use. I did not have to stress about buying tickets at all. It is also a mobile pass, so that was also convenient.” Ines, Nov. 2024
Popular Products Related to Bernina Express
Useful add-ons such as airport transfers, Lake Como cruises, and Swiss attractions often paired with Bernina train journeys:
Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center
6.4K+ Reviews
€10
GetYourGuide
“We traveled by bus on Terravision. Fantastic carriers. The buses are very luxurious, clean and spacious. The staff is polite and communicative. Top professionals. […]” Ljupco, Jan. 2026
Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
9.3K+ Reviews
€19
GetYourGuide
“We liked everything. The audio guide was clear and informative. The company was generous with the samples they provided. Not too crowded. Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon.” Julie, Jan. 2026
Bellagio: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour
1.1K+ Reviews
€30
GetYourGuide
“Really loved this tour, super simple to book, clear directions to the meeting point & lots of language choices for the audio tour. […]“ Carly, August 2025
Other Top-Rated Swiss Train Tickets & Options
Popular Swiss scenic train experiences and mountain railways beyond the Bernina route, including Glacier Express, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat:
Top Bestseller Bernina Express Ticket
Official Bernina Express panoramic train tickets with mandatory seat reservations, panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, and UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery:
Bernina Express Ticket + Seat Reservation
Travel one way on the Bernina Express between Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano with a reserved seat in 1st or 2nd class. Ride in air-conditioned panoramic coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, and the InfoT(r)ainment audio app while enjoying UNESCO-listed Alpine scenery. An optional Bernina Express Bus connects Tirano and Lugano with advance reservation required.
“A once-in-a-lifetime experience. The climb up to the Bernina Pass is unforgettable. Booked early on Headout and everything was seamless.” – Mark, April 2025
Best Handpicked Bernina Express Tour Options
Guided Bernina route tours departing from Milan, Tirano, and St. Moritz using regional Red Bernina trains, combining scenic rail rides with sightseeing stops and free time:
From Milan: Bernina Train Guided Tour to St. Moritz
Join a guided day tour from Milan to Tirano by coach, then travel on the regional train along the Bernina route from Tirano to St. Moritz. Experience the UNESCO-listed railway, stop at Alp Grüm for Palü Glacier views, admire alpine lakes and peaks, and enjoy free time in St. Moritz before returning to Milan.
“Absolutely stunning train journey! Well worth the money! Lots of snow but would love to do it again in spring/summer […]” Ian, Jan. 2026
From Milan: Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Tour
This 13-hour day trip from Milan includes luxury coach transport, a scenic Lake Como cruise, free time in St. Moritz, and a pre-booked Bernina Red Train ticket from St. Moritz to Tirano. Experience serene alpine lakes, high mountain views along the UNESCO-listed Bernina route, and time exploring the elegant Swiss resort town on this full-day adventure.
“Incredible trip, the Bernina route was breathtaking. […] We just wish we had more time for lunch in St Moritz, but we understand considering the train schedule. Otherwise, excellent crew, visit locations and transportation.” Cristina, March 27, 2024
Bernina Red Train: Roundtrip from Milan
Join a full-day roundtrip tour from Milan, traveling by coach to the Bernina route and riding the regional Bernina Red Train to St. Moritz. Cross the UNESCO-listed railway via the Brusio Viaduct and Bernina Pass, enjoy alpine scenery, visit a Swiss chocolate house, and explore St. Moritz before returning to Milan in comfort and style.
“Wonderful experience through the alps. Roberto was very polite and our driver was fantastic. It’s a long day but the views are spectacular and very much worthwhile doing.” Anonymous, Jul. 2025
From Tirano: Bernina Red Train Ticket to St. Moritz
Experience the regional Bernina Red Train with a one-way or roundtrip train ticket from Tirano to St. Moritz, available in first or second class depending on your selection. Enjoy leisure time to explore the beauty of St. Moritz at your own pace during the breaks between transfers. Please note that you’ll need to arrange your own transportation for both arrival to Tirano and return.
“Do it without fear!!! I loved it so much. Beautiful views. I don’t regret it and it’s totally worth it. We came with my grandmother who is in a wheelchair and it was super simple!!👏🏻👏🏻 I loved it so much” Maryane, Feb 2024
From Saint Moritz: Bernina Train to Tirano
Experience the Bernina Red Train with a roundtrip ticket from St. Moritz to Tirano, offering second or first-class options. Take your time exploring the charming Tirano during the transfer. Keep in mind, you’ll be responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from St. Moritz.
“Excellent experience, beautiful landscapes! Insuperable” GetYourGuide traveler, Dec 2023
Affordable Alternatives to Bernina Express Tickets
Regional Bernina Red Train tickets on the same UNESCO-listed route, offering flexible departures and great views; please note this is not the Bernina Express panoramic train:
Red Bernina Train Ticket
Travel on regular regional trains between Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano, following the same UNESCO-listed Bernina Line as the Bernina Express. Enjoy frequent departures, flexible travel, and large opening windows ideal for photography. Please note this ticket is not valid on the Bernina Express panoramic train, which requires a separate booking and mandatory seat reservation.
“[…]This experience must be lived, not heard or seen in pictures. It must be seen with your own eyes, not with someone else’s…” Nicolae, Jan. 2026
Bestselling Train Pass Options
Swiss rail passes providing unlimited train travel across Switzerland, including the Bernina route, with flexible travel days and mobile access. Seat reservations are not included and must be booked separately.
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
This all-in-one travel pass gives you unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transport, including the breathtaking Bernina Express route (seat reservation not included). It covers scenic train rides, lake cruises, city transport, and 500+ museums. Travelers also enjoy up to 50% discounts on popular mountain excursions like Titlis and Pilatus.
Important: Only valid for residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
“Excellent option and savings! Everything works very well […]A 100!!! It has discounts and free tickets at many attractions.“ Mariana, May 2025
Interrail Switzerland Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train
Designed for European residents, the Interrail Switzerland Pass offers unlimited train travel across Switzerland for any 3 to 8 selected days within one month. Travel freely on the national rail network in 1st or 2nd class without fixed dates, enjoying flexible itineraries and seamless mobile access. Seat reservations are required on selected trains.
“[…] The Interrail Swiss pass was very easy to use. I did not have to stress about buying tickets at all. It is also a mobile pass, so that was also convenient.” Ines, Nov. 2024
Popular Products Related to Bernina Express
Useful add-ons such as airport transfers, Lake Como cruises, and Swiss attractions often paired with Bernina train journeys:
Malpensa Airport T1/T2 (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center
Travel comfortably between Malpensa Airport (Terminal 1 or 2) and Milan city center with a direct shared bus transfer. Enjoy air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi, generous luggage allowance, and flexible tickets valid all day. Skip costly taxis and relax knowing you can catch the next available bus if you miss your departure.
“We traveled by bus on Terravision. Fantastic carriers. The buses are very luxurious, clean and spacious. The staff is polite and communicative. Top professionals. […]” Ljupco, Jan. 2026
Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
Discover the world of Swiss chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum with an interactive, audio-guided visit. Learn about cocoa’s journey from bean to bar, admire the iconic 9-meter chocolate fountain, explore modern production exhibits, and enjoy unlimited tastings of Lindt’s finest creations inside this immersive chocolate experience.
“We liked everything. The audio guide was clear and informative. The company was generous with the samples they provided. Not too crowded. Overall, a very enjoyable afternoon.” Julie, Jan. 2026
Bellagio: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour
Cruise Lake Como on a shared boat tour departing from Bellagio and admire iconic villas from the water. Sail past Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Isola Comacina while enjoying panoramic views of lakeside gardens and historic estates. An onboard audio guide app brings the scenery to life during this relaxed sightseeing cruise.
“Really loved this tour, super simple to book, clear directions to the meeting point & lots of language choices for the audio tour. […]“ Carly, August 2025
Other Top-Rated Swiss Train Tickets & Options
Popular Swiss scenic train experiences and mountain railways beyond the Bernina route, including Glacier Express, Jungfraujoch, and Gornergrat:
Glacier Express (Ticket with Seat Reservation): Zermatt to/from Chur/St. Moritz
Travel one way on the Glacier Express between Zermatt and Chur or St. Moritz with a guaranteed seat reservation in 1st or 2nd class. Ride aboard panoramic, air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB plugs, and access to the InfoT(r)ainment audio app. Enjoy a slow, scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, passing highlights like the Rhine Gorge and Landwasser Viaduct.
Round-Trip Train Tickets to Mount Gornergrat from Zermatt
Ride the iconic Gornergrat cogwheel train on a round-trip journey from Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3,089 meters. Enjoy priority boarding for the best views toward the Matterhorn as you travel through alpine landscapes. At the summit, take in panoramic views of 29 peaks, including the Matterhorn and Dufourspitze, and explore Europe’s highest-altitude shopping and viewing areas.
“Surreal. The beauty is beyond human imagination. Any word used to describe the beauty of Swiss Alps is an understatement. The train ride was very comfortable.” Sujoy, Sep. 2025
From Interlaken: Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Round-Trip Train Tickets
Travel round trip from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe by train, choosing the Eiger Express gondola via Grindelwald or the historic rack railway via Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy access to the Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation, and snow-covered Plateau, with a scheduled descent seat time and optional seat reservations available to reduce waiting during peak periods.
“It is the best family travel experience we had. All the staff are amazing. Very accommodating and very friendly. The view is SPECTACULAR! […]” Sheryl, Nov. 2025
