Colle del Ghisallo is a paradise for cyclists in Lago Como

# Colle del Ghisallo: A Cyclist's Holy Pilgrimage

Nestled in the Province of Como in Lombardy, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border and Lake Como, sits one of Italy's most iconic cycling destinations. The Colle del Ghisallo rises to 754m (2,473ft) and connects the upper reaches of the Valassina Larian Triangle near the charming village of Magreglio.

But this isn't just any mountain pass—it's practically sacred ground for cyclists. At the summit stands the Santuario Del Ghisallo, a 17th-century sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cyclists. Legend has it that a local Count named Ghisallo was once saved from bandits after spotting an apparition of the Virgin Mary. That miraculous moment transformed this spot into a spiritual haven for travelers, and especially cyclists.

The sanctuary is absolutely worth the visit, especially since the addition of the Museo del Ciclismo (Cycling Museum). Inside, you'll find some seriously cool artifacts: an eternal flame burning for cyclists who've passed away, and an incredibly moving display that includes the mangled bicycle of Fabio Casartelli, a local hero who tragically died in a Tour de France crash. The museum also showcases legendary bikes from cycling's greatest moments—think Eddy Merckx's 1974 World Championship Colnago, Giuseppe Saronni's iconic 1982 machine, and even Francesco Moser's wild-looking 1984 hour record bike with its massive rear disc.

The climb itself? Totally doable on a well-maintained, fully paved road. The 15km (9.32-mile) route runs north-south from Bellagio to Sormano. Starting from Bellagio, expect 10.6km of climbing with 552 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a reasonable 5.2%, though you'll hit some spicy 14% sections that'll test your legs. It's famous enough to have been featured in the Giro d'Italia—and for good reason.