One Of Europe's Hidden Gems Is A Scenic Italian Town In The Alps, Full Of Old-World Charm

The Alps are one of Europe's most spectacular landscapes, a world of soaring, jagged peaks covered in untouched snow, wide-open mountain meadows filled with wildflowers, and awesome trails and ski slopes crying out for adventurous travelers. While the biggest names in the Swiss and French Alps are often a little too popular for their own good and almost always overrun by crowds during high season, the Italian Alps are a little different. The valleys and passes on the Italian side of this famed mountain range are filled with exquisite small towns that offer peace, relaxation, and stunning Alpine views, along with the food, history, and culture that Italy is famous for. One of the most enjoyable places to discover in the Italian Alps that remains curiously under the radar is the small town of Tirano.

Often seen as just the terminus for the famous Red Train that crosses the Alps from Italy to St. Moritz in Switzerland, Tirano is actually a delightful destination in its own right. A cultural and historic crossroads between mountainous Switzerland and Mediterranean Italy, it is a delightful hidden gem of a town, filled with old-world charm and beautiful Renaissance architecture.

Tirano is located in the commune of Valtellina in Lombardy in northern Italy, right on the border with Switzerland. It is at the mouth of the Bernina Pass, one of the most famous routes through the Alps. Most travelers arrive or depart by that famous Red Train, aka the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. The nearest major city to Tirano is Milan, around 100 miles away, and the most convenient airport is Milan Bergamo, 80 miles away and about 2 and a half hours by car.

There are actually two key train lines that leave from the neighboring stations in the center of Tirano. One, the Bernina Express or Red Train heads north, winding its way on the breathtaking route from Switzerland to Italy, through deep ravines and gorges, past frosty mountain summits, to St. Moritz on the other side of the Alps. It is an awe-inspiring journey, one of the world's greatest railway routes, and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed experience. It crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 tunnels, and hits its highest point as it traverses the Bernina Pass at 7,392 feet above sea level. The other route is less celebrated but still a wonderful ride, swooping down from the dizzying heights of the Alpine foothills to Milan via glittering Lake Como.

Although most people come to Tirano with the express purpose of leaving it, the town itself is a treasure, and well worth exploring in more depth. At the east end lies the historic center, a stunning mess of winding cobbled alleyways, gorgeous churches, and Renaissance palazzi, built by the powerful Sforza family. The Palazzo Salis is a highlight, with magnificent interior decor, as well as the Palazzo Merizzi, which boasts a wonderful collection of art and furniture. The imposing Chiesetta di Santa Perpetua has been the defining feature of the town for over a millennium, as well as being a popular destination for pilgrims, and its 12th-century frescos and remarkable scenic views both offer beauty. Another excellent attraction is the Museo Etnografico Tiranese, housed in an 18th-century palazzo. It is a fascinating exploration of ordinary life throughout the history of the Valtellina region, with intriguing artifacts and fantastic recreations.

While most travelers are just in Tirano as a transit from train to train, staying a night in this scenic Italian town between journeys is a wonderful experience. There are some beautiful hotels and guesthouses to choose from, which let you enjoy the calm tranquility and old-world charm of the town as it wakes up, before anyone else arrives. The Hotel Ristorante Bernina Tirano is often recommended and boasts a great restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas, as well as being close to the train stations if you are arriving late or leaving early. The Ostello del Castello Tirano offers a uniquely rustic and charming stay in an converted old farmhouse with incredibly friendly staff.

Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without some excellent dining options, and Tirano doesn't disappoint. The Ristorante Parravicini gets superb reviews for its hearty food, including the local pizzoccheri, a flat pasta made with buckwheat and wheat flour, and wonderful affordable wine list, while the ice cream at Gelateria Lollipop Di Del Simone Bruno is exceptional. Valtellina was once seen as offering only "peasant food", but has been celebrated in recent years thanks to its authentic, local ingredients, farm-to-table philosophy, and dedication to reducing food miles. Finding the best authentic restaurants in Italy is often just a case of following the crowds and eating where the locals eat, and there are plenty of great trattorias in Tirano that will ensure you enjoy a delicious culinary experience.