San Paolo: Routes, Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Discover San Paolo through its landscapes, routes and historic buildings. The SP No. 20 is designated as a route of landscape and ecological importance; a section between Colombara and San Paolo is particularly scenic. Other features include the Anello di Rocca Susella, a cycling route that passes through the town, and historical connections to the Pieve Romanica di San Zaccaria and the Oratorio di San Rocco. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to San Paolo, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: a walk, a bike ride, or Romanesque architecture and local history.

Landscape and Routes

The SP No. 20 Val Schizzola–Gaminara–San Paolo is designated as a route of landscape and ecological importance. The section between Colombara and San Paolo is particularly scenic. The designation applies to the route as a whole; the particularly scenic stretch is the named section. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish the route's overall character from the specific section with its views if landscape is a consideration.

The Anello di Rocca Susella is considered a fairly easy walk through the forests of the Valle Adivestra. After descending from Passo Crocetta, the circular route reaches San Paolo. In the town, it runs between the houses to a small chapel and passes the Oratorio di San Rocco. The forest section, the route through the town and its historic landmarks give the walk different character. If you are choosing between this route and the SP No. 20, the difference lies in their described highlights: forests and a route through the village here, versus the landscape designation and scenic stretch there.

The Rocca Susella da Retorbido cycling route is less than 20 km long and climbs 500 metres in elevation between Godiasco and Fortunago. On the descent from the Borgo della Rocca, it passes through San Paolo and offers views of the area's characteristic landscape. Route figures may vary slightly depending on the recorded route. Compared with the Anello, the cycling route is notable for its length and elevation gain, while the walk is defined by the forests and its course through the town. Road conditions can change, so check the current route before setting off.

Culture and Local Products

The Pieve Romanica di San Zaccaria is in the municipality of Rocca Susella. Its interior has three naves and original Romanesque capitals. The Pieve was probably built by Comacini masters in the first half of the 12th century. Another historical landmark is the Oratorio di San Rocco: in 1820, it lay within the boundaries of the parish of Santi Pietro e Paolo. The Anello di Rocca Susella passes the Oratorio. This route thus combines landscape with a specific connection to local history.

Sottoli, preserves and other typical packaged products are available at Azienda Agricola Saccardi Marco, Frazione San Paolo 2, 27052 Rocca Susella (PV). The selection may change, so check in advance to find out what is currently available.

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For the broader travel overview: Pavia.