The mariano delle Alpi pilgrimage route  

The Cammino mariano delle Alpi pilgrimage route is an important religious, cultural and tourism-driven project in Valtellina. Tracing a route through the valley, the hiking itinerary incorporates several shrines to the Virgin Mary before reaching the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano — the most significant sacred monument in the province and proclaimed the ‘celestial patroness of all of Valtellina’ by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

There are two route options: the 91km Via Occidentale (western approach) from Piantedo to Tirano (accessible from spring 2022) and the 66km Via Orientale (eastern approach) from Bormio to Tirano, in the planning stage.

The Via Occidentale is divided into five stages: Piantedo–Morbegno, Morbegno–Berbenno, Berbenno–Sondrio, Sondrio–Teglio and Teglio–Tirano. It makes use of the existing trail network and waymarked routes, including the Via dei Terrazzamenti which traverses the valley’s most authentic and charming areas, passing distinctive terraced vineyards and a wealth of historic, religious and civic buildings that transmit a fascinating insight.

Conceived by the Tirano-based cammIKando association, the Cammino mariano delle Alpi project was welcomed by the municipal administration of Tirano as well as the Rectorate of the Sanctuary della Madonna di Tirano. To broaden its scope, the province of Sondrio assisted in designing and implementing the itinerary.

The cammIKAndo association is also available to support pilgrims on site. Click here to request more information from the association.

Signposting

The route is clearly signposted with blue-and-white signs: CAMMINO MARIANO DELLE ALPI is written next to the logo, which is blue on a white background. Along the route you’ll also see brown signs with the recognisable white logo on a blue background next to the symbol of a pedestrian.

The design is intentional: blue traditionally represents the colour of Mary, while the delicate white line of varying thicknesses first sketches her image and veil, before outlining the profile of the Alps and leading into the trail that is this pilgrimage route.

Those who walk the trail do so at their own risk. The company is not liable for any damage or injury to persons or property.