SHARRYLAND
Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo
Placed at the top of a climb, an epic finish line of some of cycling's most important competitions
Where is
What it is and where it is
Set at the pass between Magreglio and Bellagio on a vantage point framing the Central Alps, the Pre-Alps and the lake, it began as a chapel to protect wayfarers. A focal point of the cycling competition "Il Lombardia" (with its typical pealing as the platoon passes by), the shrine is small but devoutly packed with memorabilia from Greats of the two-wheeled past.
Why it is special
Inside the Shrine is a blessed torch, always burning, carried from Rome to the Shrine by a relay of cyclists. Its story begins with Don Ermelindo Viganò, parish priest of Magreglio, who met Pope Pius XII and wanted to present him with the idea of electing Our Lady of Ghisallo as Patroness of all cyclists. Why? Because the climb to Ghisallo has appeared, since the invention of the bicycle, to be an ideal gym for athletes in training. Supporting the proposal were also the Racers of the 1949 Giro d'Italia, and the Pope agreed. The last two torchbearers were Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi.
Not to be missed
There are three roads to climbGhisallo Hill and admire the Sanctuary, Museum and panorama. The "Ghisallo" is the historic one that goes from Bellagio up to Magreglio: almost 9 km, 500 meters of positive elevation gain with a gradient from 9% to 14%. The "Superghisallo" was coined by the Gazzetta dello Sport presenting the route of the 55th edition of the Tour of Lombardy in 1961: in the hamlet of Guello di Bellagio, it goes on to Monte San Primo, arriving at Pian Rancio and descending to the Sanctuary. The "Dolce": from Erba through Canzo and Asso it climbs much more gently with significant difficulties only in the last mile and a half.
A bit of history
The present little church is dated 1623, but without a portico, which came to light only in 1681 with three arches. The Madonna inside is dated 16th century and is a copy of the earlier one that was lost.
Trivia
The shrine originated as a roadside chapel to protect wayfarers. Among them was Count Ghisallo, who was surprised and threatened to death by brigands during a hunting party. He prayed and found salvation at this Madonna, which he later named "Madonna del Ghisallo."
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