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Church · Tirano, Lombardy
Basilica della Madonna di Tirano
The main sanctuary of the Valtellina, erected beginning in 1505 on the site of an apparition of the Virgin, with a decorated interior, a carved wooden organ and the Bernina Express passing through the square.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Basilica della Madonna di Tirano
According to tradition, on 29 September 1504, the feast of Saint Michael, the Virgin appeared to the peasant Mario Omodei in a small orchard near the river, at a time of a plague affecting people and animals, and asked that a church be built there. Construction began on 25 March 1505, the external structure was completed in 1513 and the church was consecrated in 1528. The dome, with the statue of Saint Michael at the top, was made between 1580 and 1587.
The building is Renaissance, of light stone, with a façade decorated with sculptures. Inside, the sanctuary is rich in gilded stuccoes, paintings and sculptures, and the large early-17th-century organ draws attention, with its carved wooden case with figures and ornaments. A chapel marks the site of the apparition. In 1927 the church received the title of minor basilica, and Madonna di Tirano is the patron saint of the Valtellina.
The square in front of the basilica has a curiosity that attracts photographers: the Bernina Express line passes through it. The red train of the Ferrovia Rética crosses the square between the basilica and the houses, slowly, before continuing along the street to the station.
Next to the basilica is the ethnographic museum of Tirano, with objects of rural life from the valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes; plus time to wait for a train to pass through the square.
Best time
In the morning, when the light hits the façade. To see the train in the square, check the Bernina Express timetables and arrive a few minutes early. During Masses, visiting the interior is limited.
How to get there
It is located in the western part of Tirano, about a 15-minute walk from the stations, following the train line along the street. By car, there is parking near the square.
Tip
If you're taking the Bernina Express in Tirano, sit on the basilica side: shortly after departure, the train crosses the square and passes in front of the façade.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Basilica della Madonna di Tirano
Why was the Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano built?
According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to the peasant Mario Omodei on September 29, 1504 and asked for a church on that spot. Work began in 1505.
Does the Bernina Express pass in front of the basilica?
Yes. The line crosses the basilica square, between the church and the houses, before continuing along the street to Tirano station.
What is there to see inside the basilica?
The gilded stuccoes, the paintings, the chapel of the apparition and the large early-17th-century organ with its carved wooden case.