In the past, the villages of Rocca and Susella were separate, each with its own history and distinctive identity. Rocca housed the majestic castle, a symbol of power and control, while in Susella - which was part of the municipality of Montesegale - there was still the church, a witness to spirituality and community life.
The Castle of Rocca, symbol of power and control
During medieval times, the territory was under the rule of the Ruino family. The castle, located in Rocca, represented the centre of power and control of this family. Subsequently, the fiefdom passed into the hands of the Grassi family. In the 18th century, the Grassi family faced considerable economic difficulties, which forced them to relinquish the fiefdom.
The Grassi family and the decline of the feud
The Grassi family was no longer able to bear the burden of the required annual census, nor to maintain the castle, which, by now in ruins, was in imminent danger of collapse.
This marked a significant turning point in the history of Rocca e Susella. Without a local lord, the territory risked losing part of its power and centrality
The demolition of the castle
After the Grassi family was forced to give up the feud due to economic difficulties, the management of the territory passed to Counts Gerolamo and Antonio Gambarana, who undertook to pay the annual fee. In return, they were authorised to demolish the castle, which, in the meantime, had become unsafe due to abandonment.
The condition was that the material from the demolition of the castle was to be used for a new building or, alternatively, donated to the bishop's refectory. The Gambarana remained in possession of the fief until 1773 when the village became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1905 Rocca and Susella were aggregated to become a single municipality.
A village of wonders
Rocca Susella, which is spread between the slopes of the Staffora, Schizzola and Rile valleys, preserves a rich heritage of monuments that tell of its history and importance in the context of the Oltrepò Pavese.
One of the most notable buildings is the castle, now a residential palace, dating back to the 19th century. This palace is distinguished by its imposing square tower and characteristic Ghibelline battlements. It houses an oratory built towards the end of the 18th century. The Romanesque church of San Zaccaria, in Giarone, is considered one of the most important monuments of the Oltrepò Pavese, a Romanesque jewel dating back to the first half of the 12th century. The parish church, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, stands out for its significant wooden works by local artists. These include an ancient 17th-century piece of furniture in the sacristy.
Discovering nature
The visit to the parish church of San Zaccaria is also the starting point for a circular route that starts from the asphalt road in front of the church and reaches the Orridi di Rocca Susella.
The Chestnut Festival
I boschi che abbracciano il territorio di Rocca Susella, nell’incantevole paesaggio della valle Ardivestra, sono celebri per i loro maestosi castagneti secolari. Tant’è che la piccola frazione di Chiusani organizza ogni anno la sagra della castagna che, oltre a essere l’occasione per degustare e acquistare il prodotto, è una piacevole festa popolare tra piatti della tradizione e dimostrazioni degli antichi mestieri.
