The most important religious monument in all of Valtellina, so much so that the Madonna of Tirano was proclaimed as "Heavenly Patroness of Valtellina" by Pope Pius XII... #tuttitaly
The Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano is a place of great historical and religious importance. Located in the city of Tirano, in the province of Sondrio, in the Valtellina region of Italy, this sanctuary sits right on the border between Italy and Switzerland, serving as a meeting point between the two nations.
Its history dates back to 1504 when it is said that the Madonna appeared in front of a shepherd in the area. From that moment, the place has become an essential center of Marian devotion.
The sanctuary, built in the Renaissance style, is famous for its rich stucco decoration and sculptures that adorn the interior.
Among the most precious treasures of the sanctuary stands out the organ, a sculpted work of art created by Giuseppe Bulgarini in 1608 and completed by G.B. Salmoiraghi in 1638. This imposing organ represents an essential example of craftsmanship.
Thanks to its strategic position, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano has always been a destination for pilgrimages and visits by faithful from all over Europe. In 1946, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Blessed Virgin of Tirano "Celestial Patroness of Valtellina," thus confirming the spiritual importance of the sanctuary for the region.
Marian Way of the Alps
Valtellina is a region that boasts several hundred churches, including numerous Marian sanctuaries.
To enhance these sacred buildings and the surrounding landscape, the Marian Way of the Alps project was born, a hiking route that passes through various Marian sanctuaries in the province of Sondrio, with the Basilica of Tirano as the final destination.
