Lombardy, Italy · from Bellagio
Madonna del Ghisallo
Madonna del Ghisallo from Bellagio climbs above Lake Como to the famous chapel dedicated to the patron saint of cyclists. The climb opens with steep 9-14% switchbacks out of Bellagio, relaxes through Civenna, then finishes with a sharp pitch to the sanctuary museum.
Summit elevation: 754 m
How fast would you climb Madonna del Ghisallo?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Madonna del Ghisallo and the Tour
In 1949, Pope Pius XII declared the Madonna del Ghisallo the patron saint of cyclists. The chapel at the summit contains an eternal flame and historic bikes ridden by Coppi, Bartali, Merckx, and Gimondi.
Featured almost every year in Il Lombardia ("Race of the Falling Leaves"), where Paolo Bettini set the classic 19:30 ascent record in 2005.
19:30 for the 10.6 km ascent from Bellagio during Il Lombardia.
Riding it yourself
When to go
Rideable year-round, but late spring through autumn (May to October) offers stunning Lake Como vistas.
Base & logistics
Bellagio is the start. At the summit, visit the Museo del Ciclismo right beside the chapel. Combine with Colma di Sormano for a legendary Lombardy loop.
FAQ
How long is the Madonna del Ghisallo climb?
From Bellagio, the climb is about 10.6 km with roughly 552 m of elevation gain at 5.2% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Madonna del Ghisallo?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Madonna del Ghisallo?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 3 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.