MADONNA DEL GHISALLO

maps

We start from Cabiate going to Arosio towards Erba direction, leading to Canzo and then to Asso. After 0,500 mt from the station the slope becomes steeper. Going on from Asso towards Magreglio direction we pass through different countries, one of them is Barni. Here we have two chances; we can go on along the major street or we can turn right towards Barni. It’s a typical mountain village. We go through it, then we go up a winding road that rejoins to the major street. Many cyclers prefer going on to this direction because it has been the glorious street of ancient bike races.

ANOTHER TRAIL:

Arrived to Asso, leading towards Magreglio, we turn right as we see indication to Valbrona. As we come to the village we’ll go downwards to Onno. Going down the slope we’ll see a beautiful landscape on the right, with the lake and the Prealpi mountains. Down the slope we turn left, to Bellagio direction. Arrived to the roundabout we’ll turn left and begin the slope up to Magreglio, Madonna del Ghisallo, along the major street no 41. From Onno to Magreglio there are km 17,5. The climb is quite challenging along the first hairpin bends, then the road flattens out a bit near Civenna village. Out of Civenna slope is quite hard again till to Magreglio. The entire trail is km 60.

Roads map

Onno - the landscape
landscape from Civenna
landscape with Prealpi mountains

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT MAGREGLIO

Madonna del Ghisallo sanctuary is located in Magreglio, 750 mt up sea level. During year one thousand period there was a small chapel or a temple in the middle of the wood. It is said that Count Ghisallo was attacked by local bandits. The Count asked the Madonna for help who saved him from danger.

Pope Pio XII declared the Madonna of Ghisallo cyclists protector. The statue in the sanctuary was made during 1500 year. The location is meta of pilgrimage and cycling race. The biggest cycling champions have consecrated their bikes at the Madonna of Ghisallo. People can see them inside the sanctuary. Outside instead we can admire brass busts of champions Coppi and Bartali. The yard of sanctuary go towards a natural balcony called Belvedere Romeo. Fausto Coppi monument was inaugurated in 1960. In 1973 was inaugurated cyclist monument.

Sanctuary feast is celebrated on the 8th September.

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