landmark
Bellagio
The pearl of Lake Como, set on a promontory where the lake's two southern arms divide, lined with grand villas and gardens.
7 km · about 10 min drive
Lombardy, Italy · Europe
Vassena works well as a base: 5 minutes from Lierna, 10km from Lake Como.
Vassena is a town located in Lombardy, Italy. With a population of 359, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Vassena sits in Italy, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Rome time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Vassena to your route.
Madonna del Ghisallo is a hill in Magreglio, close to Lake Como in Italy. It is named after an alleged Marian apparition.
According to the legend, the Medieval count Ghisallo was travelling by the hamlet of Magréglio when he was attacked by bandits. He saw an image of Virgin Mary at a shrine, ran to it and was savedRead more
from the robbers. The apparition became known as La Madonna del Ghisallo, and she became a patroness of local travellers.
In later times, the hill Madonna del Ghisallo was made part of the Giro di Lombardia bicycle race and has often featured in the Giro d'Italia as well. The church sits atop a steep hill that climbs up from the shores of Lake Como. It became a natural stopping point for cyclists.
For this reason a local priest, Father Ermelindo Vigano, proposed that La Madonna del Ghisallo be declared the patroness of cyclists. This was confirmed by Pope Pius XII in 1949. Nowadays the shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo contains a small cycling museum with photos and artefacts from the sport. There also burns an eternal flame for cyclists who have died. One particularly notable artifact is the crumpled bicycle that Fabio Casartelli, a native of the region, rode on the day that he died in a crash in the Tour de France.
The church is home to many bikes and cycling jerseys used by cyclists in races. The Fondazione Museo del Ciclismo-Madonna del Ghisallo was created in 2000. Its first action was to organize a torch relay from the chapel to the Vatican, delivering the torch to the then Pope John Paul II. In 2010 a bike museum, the Museo del Ghisallo, opened nearby.
The Colle del Ghisallo is a mountain pass road that connects the upper part of Valassina Larian Triangle. The point of the pass, at an altitude of 754 m above sea level, is located near Magreglio.
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Vassena offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Vassena is located in Lombardy, Italy, Europe. The coordinates are 45.9300 latitude, 9.2840 longitude.
Vassena has a population of approximately 359 people, making it a town in Italy.
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Essential numbers in Italy
ACI roadside assistance: 803 116. ZTL (limited traffic zones) in city centres are camera-enforced.
Full driving guide for Italy8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
The pearl of Lake Como, set on a promontory where the lake's two southern arms divide, lined with grand villas and gardens.
7 km · about 10 min drive
landmark
A stunning 18th-century lakeside villa on a wooded promontory of Lake Como, famous as a film location for Star Wars and James Bond.
7 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
A grand 18th-century lakeside villa on Lake Como famous for its botanical gardens with azaleas, rhododendrons, and Canova sculptures.
7 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
The historic Moto Guzzi factory and museum on the shores of Lake Como at Mandello del Lario, running since 1921.
8 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
A tranquil fishing village on Lake Como's eastern shore with romantic lakeside walkways and the terraced Villa Monastero gardens.
9 km · about 15 min drive
natural wonder
Italy's most glamorous lake surrounded by Alps, dotted with elegant villas, gardens, and charming lakeside villages.
10 km · about 20 min drive
coastal drive
A winding lakeside road hugging Lake Como's western shore with tunnels, villa gates, and views of snow-capped Alps reflected in deep blue water.
10 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A historic funicular climbs from Como city to Brunate for a sweeping balcony view over the lake and Alps.
19 km · about 20 min drive
April to October
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