Madonna del Ghisallo, Chapel and cycling museum in Magreglio, Italy
Madonna del Ghisallo is a chapel in Magreglio, perched on gentle hills between two lake shores. The facade carries a portico beneath which three mosaics in bright colors announce the themes of the site, while the bell tower rises beside it.
In 1623, the present building replaced an older medieval chapel that already served as refuge for travelers. Pope Pius XII declared the site a protective center for cyclists in 1949, sealing the bond between faith and sport at this sanctuary.
The name recalls Count Ghisallo, whose story remains alive in local memory. Believers leave behind jerseys, medals and bicycle parts as offerings, hanging from walls and ceilings to give the interior the look of a racing chapel.
Visitors reach the chapel via a steep climb that forms part of famous cycling races. The adjacent museum opens mostly on weekends and displays bicycles, jerseys and memorabilia from professional athletes across many decades.
A permanent flame has burned inside since 1949, created by sculptor Carmelo Cappello in memory of deceased cyclists. Dozens of wreaths and pictures hang on the walls, donated over decades by teams and individual riders.
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