Tirano

Tirano is a comune in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, located in the Province of Sondrio. It sits in the Valtellina valley near the Swiss border, at the southern end of the Bernina mountain range. The municipality has about 9,000 residents and functions as a transportation and commercial hub for the surrounding area.

Tirano is notable for its railway connections. It is the southern terminus of the Bernina railway, which runs to St. Moritz in Switzerland and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Albula line. The Bernina Express, a popular tourist service, stops in Tirano and serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the Bernina Pass. The town is also connected to Milan by the Milan–Tirano railway line, linking it with major Lombardy towns and other Italian destinations.

Economy and culture in Tirano blend tourism, agriculture, and small-scale industry. The surrounding Valtellina area is known for wine production and fruit orchards, contributing to the local economy. The historic town center preserves medieval and early modern architecture, including churches, palaces, and a central square that reflects Tirano’s historical role as a market and trade town. Local traditions and religious celebrations are part of community life, and markets and events attract visitors year-round.

History in Tirano traces to medieval times, with development as a strategic market town on routes connecting the Po Valley with the northern Alps. Over the centuries it passed through various feudal and regional jurisdictions before becoming part of Lombardy in the modern Italian state. Today Tirano is largely defined by its railway prominence and its position as a corridor to alpine destinations.