Tirano is a town in Valtellina Valley very near the border with Switzerland in northern Italy
The river Adda flows through the town of Tirano. Located nearby is the Catholic shrine of the Madonna di Tirano.The shrine is dedicated to the appearance of the Blessed Mother to Mario Degli Omodei on September 29, 1504, an event religious pilgrims credit with ending a pestilence. The church construction begun in 1505 and was consecrated in 1528.
While we were in Tirano, we enjoyed two special opportunities to meet with the local population.
Our first adventure was “A Day in the Life” at an organic goat farm near the top of a nearby mountain. After our bus driver dropped us off at the farm, we walked up to the farm. The owner gave us a fascinating history of the farm and surrounding area. The farm has been in his family for several generations. He also described the more recent efforts to revitalize and obtain organic certification for their products.
After we received instruction, we help erect a fence around a small pasture for the 60 goats to graze. After the fence was erected, the goats were let in and it was a delight to watch them for a while.
We then went indoors for a lesson and demonstration of cheese making. This was followed by a wonderful meal with local produce.
This visit was most definitely a unique highlight that we all enjoyed.
The Bernini Express begins in Tirano, Italy, then crosses into Switzerland through the Alps to Davos. It is not an “express” in the sense of being a high-speed train: rather it has panoramic coaches with enlarged windows and caters to tourist and skiers.
On the day we traveled, the weather grew increasing drizzle and snow. When we reached the Diavolezza station, we departed the train for a cable car ride further up in the Alps to a nice lodge with a scenic overlook.
Well, not so with our visit. The visibility was poor, so we enjoyed our lunch and then the beautiful return trip to Tirano. All in all, the awesome scenery was worth the trip, even with the falling snow reduced visibility.
In Tirano we were divided into three groups and then enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked meal and plenty to time to visit with our host family.
My host-family included Chiara, a young architect, and his wife Daniele, who is in real estate. They have two delightful young boys, Giuseppe, 10 years old and Remo, 6 years old.
As an added bonus, on the ride over to their home, Daniele made an additional stop. They are in the process of renovating at a very old building that they want to turn into a small hotel or B&B. They are required to retain as much of the original structure as possible so it is a real challenge.
On the way back to the car, we noticed the beautiful fresco on the building next door.
This was definitely a wonderful evening with a delightful family.
