Magreglio is a small town situated in the well-known Larian Triangle nestled between the two branches of the wonderful Lake Como on a plateau of the Lombard Pre-Alps at 754.0 meters of altitude.
Located the top of the famous Valassina Road, the junction that connects Milan to Erba and the extraordinary promontory of Bellagio at the top of a valley where the first part of the Lambro river flows marking the end of the Lombard geographical area called Brianza in a point where the Vallategna Waterfall is formed in the municipal territories of Asso.
This town is known for the presence of the famous Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo which honors the patron saint of cyclists, destination of a multitude of pedal lovers who for devotion, passion and sport face the climb that leads to this beautiful place often included in stages of the Giro d' Italia or in the classic of the Giro di Lombardia.
This destination became something legendary that reached its peak in the immediate post-war period when, at the express wish of various professional cyclists and the Rector of Magreglio, the local Madonna was proclaimed patron saint of Italian cyclists.
Since then, "Il Ghisallo" has become a popular destination for cyclists, sportsmen and non-sportsmen who come to the Sanctuary to lay dedications, memorabilia, gifts, tributes, vows, jerseys, trophies, bicycles or simply to pray.
The 8.5 km steep climb with an elevation gain of almost 500.0 meters that leads to the Sanctuary is completely surrounded by beautiful woods between hairpin bends and slopes that exceed peaks of 14% in altitude and the views of Bellagio and much of Lake Como are simply wonderful.
The history of tht place is not completely presented with written and archived historical documents but linked to narratives, popular legends as well as that of the Madonna so venerated and also for these reasons its history is fascinating.
It all began in the 11th century on this hill in the Como area, which was then infested by brigands who found safe refuge after their raids, an area considered at that time a sort of free zone-border where they could not be arrested by current regulations and there was a small chapel with the image of a Madonna loved by wayfarers and locals.
The name "Ghisallo" derives from a nobleman, Count Ghisallo who in the 15th century passing through this area was attacked by some bandits right next to the chapel, miraculously saved he decided to thank the Madonna with prayers and prayers becoming one of her faithful devotees.
The news was widely spread throughout the local area, deciding to enlarge that chapel which was replaced in 1623 with the one visible today.
The image of the Virgin Mary was also changed with a copy and the architectural structure was modified with the development in 1681 of the three arches that form a small portico.
Outside this iconic Sanctuary you can stop at the monument dedicated to the cyclist erected in 1973, a work carried out by the sculptor Elio Ponti, blessed in the Vatican by Pope Paul VI on July 4 of the same year.
It was placed eleven days later on the Ghisallo hill, the stele of the "champion" Fausto Coppi dating back to 1960 by the sculptor Paolo Todeschini and that of the Rector of Magreglio and Don Ermelindo Viganò placed in 1989 a sculpture by Rosaria Longoni.
That priest was a fundamental figure when in 1949 he met in the Vatican with Pope Pius XII with the proposal of various Sports and Religious Associations and Bodies as well as that of numerous professional cyclists of rank participating in the Giro d'Italia of that year with the desire for a Shrine dedicated to them.
Everything was accepted by decree and on October 13, 1949 the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ghisallo Celeste became the Saint, Venerated Patroness of all Italian cyclists. The event was celebrated in the same year with a famous bronze torch sculpted by Carmelo Cappello, blessed by the Pope.
There was a departure from Rome with destination Magreglio – Madonna del Ghisallo of a torchlight procession that saw a great participation, the last two relay runners were Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, historic rivals but friends outside the competitions who actively worked on all this.
From that moment on, that legendary torch burns perpetually in the Sanctuary, commemorating with its eternal flame all the cyclists who have passed away and representing the light of faith for all the living.
Visiting the interior you will notice a side wall is completely dedicated to iconic cyclists, you can admire various memorabilia donated by champions such as bicycles of great champions of the past such as those that belonged to Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx in their victorious Tour de France or that of Francesco Moser used in the hour record and again yellow, pink jerseys, dedications of champions and much more.
The most venerated image of the Virgin Mary visible is a Madonna del Latte, a reproduction similar to the original, a very popular representation in the 15th century with dimensions of 90.0 x 60.0 cms.
The Sanctuary apart from its devotion is also the epicenter of various events such as the National Bicycle Day, the Day dedicated to Champions, the Easter of the Cyclist, events dedicated to the missing cyclists.
That unique place in a unique setting, among green woods, enchanting landscapes, Lake Como with its pearl Bellagio a stone's throw away and the view of the Grigna which with its peak at 2409.0 meters cheers that location charming with an additional, natural accent of great fascination.
Time for your lunch with a choice of first courses between Gnocchetti with Taleggio or Risotto with Luganighe, second courses to choose between Grilled Beef Fillet or Chicken Breast with Aromatic Herbs both served with a side of Mixed Salad.
Visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo is a beautiful experience of tourism, history, enchanting places, nature, the magnificent Lake Como, fairytale landscapes, a perfect combination for an unforgettable day.
Link : https://www.montagnelagodicomo.it/en/listings/madonna-del-ghisallo-sanctuary-and-cycling-museum/
Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation
Hotel il Nibbio
The Balcony on the Lake
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