A recurring landmark of the Giro di Lombardia and a place of pilgrimage for any cyclist passing through Lake Como, the Madonna del Ghisallo climb links Bellagio to a small chapel that has become the official shrine of cyclists worldwide.
The route
From Bellagio, on the lakeshore, the road climbs for 10.6 km to the pass at 754 m, gaining 532 m at an average of 5.2%, with sections up to 11%. The route winds through villages and olive groves in the hills above the lake, offering repeated views of the turquoise water below.
How to approach the ride
The gradient stays generally moderate, but a few steeper ramps punctuate the climb, particularly near the hamlets it passes through. The road is narrow in places and shared with local traffic, which calls for caution on blind corners.
When to go
March to November: the pass’s modest altitude allows for a long season, with cyclist traffic peaking in late spring and summer, especially around the Giro di Lombardia in October.
Good to know
At the top, the chapel houses bikes and memorabilia donated by champions, while the neighboring museum traces the history of Italian cycling. Bellagio, the starting point, is a lively tourist village, easily reached by boat from the other shores of Lake Como.