Tirano and Bernina Express, Italy

Tirano and Bernina Express, Italy (5/27-28/2024)

Tirano Italy

Situated at the base of the Bernina Pass in Italy, Tirano serves as the starting or ending point for the famous UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express train which embarks on a spectacular train ride through the picturesque Swiss Alps beginning or ending in the picturesque towns of Saint Moritz and Chur.

Map of Tirano

We came to Tirano to take the fabulous Bernina Express train ride and stayed one night. Tirano offers has a couple of interesting things to do in addition to being the town where the Bernina Express train begins or ends. 

Main Street Viale Italia

There is a famous 16th-century church (Basilica of Madonna di Tirano) and an Old Town to explore. From the main street (Viale Italia) located just a block from the train station, the church is located to the left of the train station (about 15-20 minute walk) and Tirano’s Old Town is to the right (about 10-15 minute walk). English is spoken everywhere.

Inside Basilica

The Basilica of Madonna di Tirano is special and deserves a visit. It is truly beautiful inside. This shrine was built in a Baroque style and is quite ornate and pleasant to witness. Be sure to notice the carved front of the organ in an alpine design. The organ has 2,200 pipes and is one of the largest in Europe. Also, there are beautiful frescoes, paintings, and decorations. The bell tower and dome are notable.

Basilica of Madonna di Tirano

Located in Piazza Basilica, the Basilica of Madonna di Tirano (Santuario della Beata Vergine di Tirano) pilgrimage church is the main tourist attraction in Tirano. According to legend, Mary, mother of Jesus, appeared to a local resident, Mario Degli Omodei, in 1504 during an outbreak of the plague and told him that if a church was built on that spot (outside the walls of the old town), then the town was safe from the plague. By the time the church was built, there was no more plague. Of course, it takes time to build a large church and the plague might have been over.

Piazza Cavour – Tirano’s Old Town

You can also take a stroll around Tirano’s Old Town. The main squares, Piazza Cavour and Piazza Lantieri, have a few shops and some small restaurants. It was sleepy during the day when we visited pretty much having it to ourselves. Tiano’s Old Town is more active at night after 7PM when the restaurants open. 

Palazzo Salis Tirano

In Tirano’s Old Town church lovers can visit Chiesa de San Martin, an interesting church. The Palazzo Salis is interesting, with its frescoed rooms, constructed during the second half o
f the 17th century by the noble family von Salis-Zizers. For those with more time there are other palazzos and buildings that can be explored, as well as excursions and hiking outside the city.

Piazza delle Stazioni

The square (Piazza delle Stazioni) at Tirano’s train station (Stazioni Ferrovia Retica) and the Bernina Express station is busy for lunch with several restaurants to choose from. We had a lovely dinner at the Ristorante dell’Hotel Bernina where we stayed. It is highly recommend with good food at reasonable prices and professional service.

Bernina Express Train Station

We enjoyed our one night stay at the Hotel Bernina located just a few steps from the train station in Piazza delld Stazioni and the Bernina Express train station making connections by train in Tirano simple. Attractions are about a 20 minute walk. The restaurant is lovely and breakfast was great.

Tirano’s Main Square Area

Located in a valley joining Italy with Switzerland and Austria, Tirano is a small town of less than 10,000. It’s primary claim to fame is the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express, a picturesque rail journey with red panoramic cars to and from Chur in Switzerland over the Swiss Engadin Alps, taking four hours and crossing 196 bridges, passing through 55 tunnels, and climbing to over 7,000 feet to cross the Bernina Pass.

While visiting Tirano, it is nice to use Some Essential Italian Words:
Buongiorno (bwon-jor-no) – Good morning
Ciao (chow) – Hello/Goodbye
Salve (sal-veh) – Hello (formal)
Sì – Yes
No – No
Grazie – Thank you
Per favore – Please
Prego – You’re welcome

 

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