madonna del ghisallo

We hired a couple of decent Bianchi hybrid bikes for 20 Euros each from Arco Sport in the centre of Bellagio for the ride up to Madonna del Ghisallo. They were happy to swap the pedals for the clip-ins we had brought and gave us a map with helpful directions written on it. The ride up took us, experienced but not super-fit cyclists, around 45 minutes. It's not the hardest climb, but consistently steep. Once you get beyond the outskirts of Bellagio the roads are quiet and the views give a great sense of rising up quickly over the town. Not exactly effortless, but certainly not a grim slog either. The chapel has a collection of bikes and vests donated by cycling champions and their relatives, including, as far as we could make out, the actual bike, bent forks and all, that Fabio Casartelli was riding when he crashed. For any cycling enthusiast, a unique and if you are so inclined, spiritual experience. There is also a separate, new, cycling museum, which looked interesting from the outside, but was closed on Saturday.

If you're a cycling enthusiast this is Mecca whether you arrived by cycle or bus. I chose the latter as my relationship with hills/mountains is not a positive one. I'm working on it. Stepping inside the Chapel is both spiritual and surreal with the vast collection of memorabilia on display. A must see. Don't just stop there, continue your visit to Ghisallo and visit the museum also. The collection of bikes/photos/event memorabilia and historical items are also worth viewing. Whether a road cyclist, mtb'r or cruiser, this museum (and Chapel) is a must see.

I rode (several times) from Bellagio. If you are not a cycling enthusiast, you should not attempt this ride. 8 of the 10 Km has a gradient of 6 to 8% and upwards of 11% in sections. If you are into cycling, this is a must do!The route is scenic, tranquil and challenging. The church at the top was more than expected. Unfortunately the museum was not open as it was too early. The view through the window made me wish I was able to rid later in the day.If you are setting out from Bellagio, continue on to Asso. Make a left just as you hit town where the sign points to Lecco/ Bellagio. This will lead you down to the lake for a picturesque ride with some great opportunities for coffee and croissant along the way. Total ride is 40kms or there about.I hire a hybrid from the sports store right in the heart of Bellagio for 20 euro on each day that I rode. Not exactly the perfect bike but you will find road bike rentals from Como very expensive and inconvenient.

Absolutely lovely little chapel In which various cyclists have given jerseys and bikes. Pictures inside of cyclists who have lost there lives - quite sad

A small church with different memories of cyclists. The best way to visit it is riding a bicycle, maybe from Bellagio or Erba. The route is quite steep, but the sanctuary is also a balcony to enjoy the mountain landscape. If you stop there in the morning, you can decide to complete your bicycle trip at the "Colma di Sormano" or through the regional road or through the "Wall" a 2 km narrow street - forbidden for cars - where you can taste a 25% pendence.

This was our destination after a tough mountain hike so was a welcome sight! The scenery is wonderful and the tiny church with cycling memorabilia is really worth a visit. We didn't go the cycling museum but it's there if you fancy it.

My buddy and myself left our families behind and rode up the steep 12 to 14 per cent grades (at times) to reach the top. It was gruelling and exhilarating. We absolutely loved the challenge, views and end result. If you are a fairly serious rider in decent shape, give this ride a go. Also I would highly recommend taking Pietro's Lake Como Cycling tour. It was fantastic.

Whether you've a passion for cycling, an addiction for Italian cycling heroes or you're simply passing through, STOP and go take a look inside the chapel and the nearby museum. The intimacy with the cycling history presented in the chapel is very special. And if you're very lucky, you might meet Mario, the current curator, who might just show you some of his providence not on general display. Read the longer summaries in the following URLs.http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/la-madonna-del-ghisallo-the-patron-saint-of-cyclinghttp://sicycle.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/a-virtual-tour-of-the-madonna-del-ghisallo/

The Madonna del Ghisallo is a lovely small chapel , patron saint of cyclists. Its a must see for all cyclists.Either ride up, a little steep :) or take your car but whilst you are travelling up either way, you will see a stream of cyclists all doing the same thing.When you get to the top there are lots of smiling cyclists posing with the statues of their hero's, a great atmosphere!.Inside the church you will find an unbelievable display of cycling history,just fabulous, we really enjoyed the experience.Also close by is a cycling museum which has an interesting display of the Giro Di Italia and many bicycles

If you have any interest in cycling don't miss this beautiful chapel. It is full of cycling memorabilia including bikes and jerseys from some of cycling's greats. As Aussies we were particularly thrilled to see the World Champion and Tour De France Yellow Jerseys of Cadel Evans. The nearby statue is wonderful, as are the views. Sadly the cycling museum is only opening on weekends now so best timed to do both, the C36 bus goes up from Bellagio and us a worthwhile event in its own right on the hairpins and we actually walked back - roughly 12km but the views were sensational.

This on our agenda for tourists to lake como.Pretty little church with an interesting history, famous riders, bikes and religion.Museum that is even interesting for non ridersGreat view and a nice alpine drive between Nesso and Bellagio

this museum is interesting if you are into road biking. some interesting old bikes plus information on some of the best pro cyclists around. a mecca for people

Visited here twice during our month in Bellagio. Impressed beyond merely WOW !!! If you feel for he pain and agony of the riders of the Tour de France, if you are amazed at the bikers on the back roads and steep hill climbs of northern Italy, then you must stop here and see history. You cannot really understand Italian fascination with biking unless you spend a few minutes staring at the walls crowded with relics of biking lore ... Simply wonderful.

Tappa d'obbligo per chi si trova in zona. Sono salito in moto da Oliveto Lario, Asso, poi il Santuario che è una tappa obbligata in particolare per i ciclisti, con all'interno tanti ex voto. Sono sceso poi a Bellagio per prendere il traghetto che mi avrebbe portato sulla costa occidentale del lago di Como.

Ci sono passato una domenica di fine gennaio , un pò fredda e ventosa . Comunque un bel panorama sul lago ,Bella la chiesetta museo con la bicicletta di Coppi e Bartali . Un pensiero ai tanti campioni della mia gioventù !