In the high-country village of Magreglio (497m), 7km south of Bellagio, stands a simple 17th-century church known as the Santuario della Madonna del Ghisallo . The road up has frequently been included as a classic stage of the Giro d'Italia cycle race, and is known to professional and amateur cyclists alike. The sanctuary long ago became a symbolic finishing line for cyclists, who began leaving mementoes there. The place's importance for two-wheeled enthusiasts was such that Pope Pius XII declared the Madonna del Ghisallo the patron of cyclists. The gifts and tokens left at the sanctuary down the years became so numerous that it was decided to open the nearby Museo del Ciclismo to contain the overflow. The museum is devoted to all aspects of the business of cycling, with 100 film clips of great moments in Italian cycling, memorabilia (including many bicycles) and temporary exhibitions.
