Madonnina dei Centauri: a Sanctuary where faith and two-wheeled passion meet

In the heart of Piedmont, in Castellazzo Bormida, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Crete, known as the Madonnina dei Centauri, is not only a place of faith, but also a symbol of the deep bond between spirituality and motorcycling passion.

Historical roots and consecration of the Centauri:

The sanctuary, with its seventeenth-century origins, saw its importance grow in the post-war period, becoming a landmark for motorcyclists. A key moment in this growth was 8 September 1946, when Castellazzo hosted the first "International Motorcycle Convention of the Madonnina dei Centauri". This historic event saw the participation of numerous leading figures in Italian and international motorcycling, marking the beginning of a lasting tradition.

The echo of this convention spread rapidly, so much so that, from the following year, the motorcycle rally was officially included in the international calendar. The definitive consecration came on 6 March 1947, when the long-awaited news arrived from Rome: with the Apostolic Brief 17/47 of 11 February 1947, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Blessed Virgin of Creta, venerated in the sanctuary of Castellazzo Bormida, "Patroness of Motorcyclists".

In 1949, a group of 13 motorcyclists, aboard their Moto Guzzis, undertook a journey to Rome to bring a votive lamp, specially forged and dedicated to the "Madonnina dei Centauri".

Today, the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonnina dei Centauri continues to be a point of reference for motorcyclists all over the world. The annual rally, held on the second Sunday of July, is an unmissable event for thousands of enthusiasts, where faith and passion for two wheels are celebrated.