Rocca Susella is the history, art and traditions of Oltrepò Pavese

On the heights of theOltrepòPavese, Rocca Susella is a little gem located between the Ardivestra Valley, the Schizzola Valley and the Rile Valley, where history, art and ancient traditions have been preserved.

Cover image taken from the municipality’s Facebook page

Rocca Susella’s historical roots

In the Middle Ages, Rocca Susella was known as Rocha de Axixellae and Castrum Saxillae.
Later, the name changed to Rocha Saxillae, a term of Ligurian origin.
In the 13th century, the fief belonged to the bishop’s table of Tortona, under the administration of the Ruino della Rocca family.
In 1336, the property was extended to the Ruino di Montepicco family, who became the sole lords of the fief in the 16th century. In the following centuries, the fief passed to the brothers Gerolamo and Antonio Gambarana, and in the middle of the last century it passed to the Baroni de’ Ghislanzoni.
The village’s name is linked to an ancient fortified fortress – known as Rocca De’ Ghislanzoni – which is well preserved and has now been converted into a venue for events.
The structure consists of a main building with a courtyard with arcades with columns and arches, a small round tower, a square tower with ghibelline battlements, stone buildings and a large park.

What to see in the municipality of Rocca Susella (PV)

St Peter and Paul church

In the centre of the village you will find the municipal seat and parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo. The interior houses a beautiful statue of the Madonna del Rosario in gilded wood and a valuable 17th-century piece of furniture.

Monastery ofSan Rocco

On Poggio Alemanno, 550 metres above sea level, is theOratoryof San Rocco, built in 1606 and enriched with a 17th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child, Saint Peter and Saint Rocco. During the Spanish epidemic, the building was enlarged and converted into a lazaret. After decades of neglect, it was finally restored in 1994.

Parish churchof San Zaccaria

One of Rocca Susella’s most precious treasures is the parish church of San Zaccaria, built in Lombardy Romanesque style in the 12th century.
Once the most important parish church in the area, it was deconsecrated and converted into a farmhouse in 1806.
The architecture is characterised by sandstone and brick bands, while the interior has sculpted capitals, medieval frescoes and two decorated apses.

Traditions and events

Every year, Rocca Susella celebrates a number of traditional festivities that attract visitors from Oltrepò Pavese and further afield:

• Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (third Sunday in September)
• Feast of St Zacharias (July 1)
• Chestnut 🌰 and chestnut festival in Chiusani, a hamlet famous for its chestnuts , which are carefully picked every year in a forest of age-old chestnut trees.

🍽️Sapori and typical products

The local gastronomy follows the traditions of the Oltrepò Pavese and is characterised by the presence of these typical local products:

• Wines – including organic – such as Bonarda, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Grigio
• Salame di Varzi PDO
• Cereals, alfalfa, chickpeas, lentils, linseed
• Local fruit: grapes, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, plums , chestnuts and marrons

Where to eat in Rocca Susella

For those who want to taste the typical dishes of the region, Rocca Susella offers several establishments (in some you can also stay):

• Agritourism Old World, locality Casazza
• Il Posto Giusto, Ca’ Nova locality
• Osteria il Giarone, place Giarone
• Borgo della Rocca, as an event venue, north of Rocca Susella towards Gaminara

🛣️Come reach Rocca Susella

Located a short distance from Voghera and Casteggio, Rocca Susella is easily accessible by car via the SP92.

If you want an experience of history, nature and authentic traditions, Rocca Susella is the destination to reach in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese.