Tirano is a small, quiet town situated at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps. The starting station of the famous Bernina Express, which travels over the mountain pass to the Swiss city of Chur, is located here.
The city has a history dating back to the 10th century. It was then a trade and craft center, as well as a center for growing vegetables and vines. It developed rapidly in the Middle Ages under the authority of Milan. Special services for its expansion were made by Ludwik Sforza, who ordered the construction of the city walls that still exist today.
The historic part of the city is surrounded by walls in which three gates have been preserved. You can see historic palaces that belonged to the city patriciate in the past and several churches. There are also the remains of St. Maria, and higher on the hill there are the ruins of the Dosso Castle from the 11th century. The most important of Tirano's monuments stands outside the former city walls. It is the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the beginning of the 16th century. Inside there are rich painting and sculptural decorations and an altar with a venerated image of the Mother of God.
The big attraction of Tirano is the local train station, which is the starting point of the famous Bernina Express. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Rhaetian Railway line leads through the Alpine Bernina Pass to the Swiss Chur. During the trip you can admire great mountain views.
