The Madonna del Ghisallo Sanctuary is a famous Catholic sanctuary located in the town of Magreglio, in the province of Como, Lombardy, Italy. The shrine is best known for being the patron saint of cyclists and two-wheeled travellers, and is visited by thousands of cycling enthusiasts every year. In fact, its position on the Ghisallo hill, at an altitude of around 750 metres, makes it a must-see for cyclists visiting the area.
The sanctuary was built in the 12th century and expanded over the following centuries. Inside the sanctuary there are numerous works of art, including the famous statue of the Madonna del Ghisallo, patroness of cyclists. The chapel also contains the “Cappella dei Campioni”, a collection of items that belonged to famous cyclists, including jerseys, bicycles and helmets.
The Madonna del Ghisallo sanctuary was declared the patron saint of cyclists by Pope Pius XII in 1949. Since 2003 it has become the national museum of Italian cycling. Furthermore, it is the destination of numerous cycling races, including the Giro di Lombardia, which ends right in front of the sanctuary.
More information can be found on the official website of the sanctuary. Photo by Fabio “Fabio C.” Car from GoogleMaps
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