Madonna del Ghisallo

The Madonna del Ghisallo is a small Marian shrine and chapel on the Ghisallo hill above Lake Como in the comune of Magreglio, Lombardy. It is widely recognised in cycling culture and was named patroness of cyclists in 1949.

The chapel interior is covered with cycling ex-votos, plaques and photographs and functions as a secular shrine for riders. Next to the chapel is a museum dedicated to the sport that displays bicycles, jerseys and memorabilia from amateur and professional cycling.

The site long served as a local religious shrine and acquired a specific association with cycling in the 20th century, formalised when the Madonna was declared patroness of cyclists in 1949. Over time the chapel and the adjoining museum have become a commemorative spot for Italian cycling history.

The shrine sits above Lake Como in the comune of Magreglio, Lombardy, a short drive from small towns on the lake’s eastern shore. The site is reached by a narrow mountain road commonly used by cyclists.

• Access: Often visited as part of popular road climbs used in amateur and professional races; the road to the shrine is steep and exposed in places.
• Patroness: Pope Pius XII formally declared the Madonna del Ghisallo patroness of cyclists in 1949, a major reason for its cycling association.

What to See #

• Chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo: Small stone chapel dedicated to the Madonna, containing ex-votos and cycling-related plaques and images; focal point of the shrine.
• Museo del Ciclismo: Adjacent museum devoted to the history of cycling with bicycles, jerseys and memorabilia related to Italian and international cycling; located near the chapel and aimed at cyclists and fans.