Madonnina dei Centauri International Motorcycle Rally
The oldest international motorcycle rally in Europe, held between Alessandria and Castellazzo Bormida
About Madonnina dei Centauri
The riders' rally in the heart of the Alessandria region
The Madonnina dei Centauri International Motorcycle Rally is a historic fixture in the European motorcycling calendar, organized by the Moto Club Madonnina dei Centauri Internazionali of Alessandria between the towns of Alessandria and Castellazzo Bormida, in the heart of Piedmont. The spiritual core of the event is the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta, just outside Castellazzo Bormida, where the Madonnina dei Centauri is venerated as the protector of motorcyclists worldwide.
The initiative has its roots in the post-WWII era: the first edition dates back to the 1940s, and since then, the rally has been held uninterruptedly every summer, becoming one of the longest-running and most celebrated motorcycle events in Europe. In 2026, the event reaches its 81st edition, confirming a tradition that has linked a passion for two wheels, popular devotion, and Piedmontese hospitality for nearly a century.
Between faith, engines, and hospitality
The rally is more than just a gathering of bikes: it is a festival that intertwines religious observance with conviviality. The base camp, set up in Alessandria on Viale della Repubblica, welcomes participants for official FMI registrations, while the rally days feature tourist tours through the UNESCO-listed Monferrato, Langhe, and Roero hills, including food and wine stops and visits to historic villages and castles.
The most poignant moment is the Holy Mass with the blessing of the riders at the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta in Castellazzo Bormida, followed by the grand parade: the column of motorcycles, accompanied by the flags of international delegations, reaches the center of Alessandria for the final procession before the authorities.
An event with international reach
Included in the FMI and FIM motorcycle tourism calendars, the rally attracts enthusiasts every year from France, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and numerous other countries. Evenings at the base camp, featuring food stalls, live music, and the atmosphere of the 'Notte Bianca' (White Night) in Castellazzo Bormida, complete a program that makes this rally a benchmark for riders across Europe.
The Madonnina dei Centauri
The devotion to the Madonnina dei Centauri was born in this corner of the Province of Alessandria and has made the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta an international pilgrimage destination for motorcyclists. The bond between the Alessandria association and Castellazzo Bormida, where the original embroidered banner is still preserved, testifies to the shared origins of an event that today ideally unites the two communities every second week of July.
Madonnina dei Centauri — edition 2026
The Madonnina dei Centauri International Motorcycle Rally returns in 2026 for its 81st edition, scheduled from Friday, July 10th to Sunday, July 12th, between Alessandria and Castellazzo Bormida, in the province of Alessandria. The base camp is set up in Alessandria on Viale della Repubblica, where official FMI registrations take place.
As per tradition, the days alternate between tourist tours through the Monferrato and Langhe hills and evening festivities at the base camp, culminating in the Holy Mass with the blessing of the riders at the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta and the grand final parade towards the center of Alessandria. The event, included in the FMI and FIM motorcycle tourism calendars, confirms its international vocation.
Programme Madonnina dei Centauri 2026
The program for the 81st edition follows the established three-day structure between Alessandria and Castellazzo Bormida:
- Friday, July 10th — Opening of the base camp and FMI registration on Viale della Repubblica in Alessandria; afternoon tours in the region (including the traditional excursion towards Gavi and the Monferrato); welcome for international delegations; evening with food stalls and music.
- Saturday, July 11th — Registration; tourist and gastronomic tours through the Monferrato, Langhe, and Roero; late afternoon religious ceremony at the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta in Castellazzo Bormida and 'Notte Bianca' in town; evening entertainment at the base camp.
- Sunday, July 12th — Formation of the motorized column with the flags of participating nations; Holy Mass and blessing of the motorcyclists at the Sanctuary; final parade to the center of Alessandria, in Piazza Garibaldi, before the authorities; awards ceremony.
Exact times and the full list of tours will be released by the Moto Club Madonnina dei Centauri on their official website and social media channels in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights Madonnina dei Centauri 2026
The highlights remain the Holy Mass with the blessing of the riders at the Sanctuary of the Madonnina dei Centauri and the spectacular final parade on Sunday, when hundreds of motorcycles ride through the center of Alessandria to Piazza Garibaldi, accompanied by the flags of international delegations.
Prices Madonnina dei Centauri 2026
Practical information — Madonnina dei Centauri
Where it takes place
The rally base camp is set up in Alessandria, on Viale della Repubblica. Religious ceremonies are held at the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta (Madonnina dei Centauri) in Castellazzo Bormida (AL), while the final parade passes through the center of Alessandria to Piazza Garibaldi.
How to get there
Alessandria and Castellazzo Bormida are easily reached via the A21 and A26 motorways, taking the Alessandria exit. The city is also served by the Alessandria railway station, located on major Piedmontese lines. Ample motorcycle parking is available at the base camp.
Registration and information
Registration for the rally takes place on-site at the base camp. For the updated program, dates, fees, and tours, please consult the official website of the Moto Club Madonnina dei Centauri (www.mcmadonnina.it), email [email protected], or call the club's contact numbers.
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Where does it take place — Madonnina dei Centauri
Santuario della Beata Vergine della Creta (Madonnina dei Centauri)
Viale Madonnina dei Centauri, 15073 Castellazzo Bormida