Discover Zuccarello: History, Nature and Local Cuisine

Zuccarello combines a richly documented medieval history with protected landscapes and local cuisine. The town was founded in 1248 by the Clavesana family.

Arcades, Gates and Medieval Buildings

The only narrow main street in Zuccarello is lined with arcades and pillars in the Ligurian-Piedmontese style. Trompe-l’œil paintings decorate these structural elements and give the streetscape a distinctive architectural character. Along this narrow axis, arcades and pillars, trompe-l’œil paintings, and the two towered gates come together in the streetscape. The main street also connects two towered gates, which were linked by the defensive walls descending from the castle hill. The medieval walls and arcades of Zuccarello are listed in the Italian national cultural heritage register.

One of the notable structures is the bridge known as Ponte romano. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is actually medieval and has a humpbacked profile. The medieval parish church of San Bartolomeo preserves an old stone bell tower with double- and triple-arched windows. The same church houses a painting by Orazio De Ferrari.

Castle, Art and Historical Figures

Zuccarello Castle is now a ruin whose remains tower above the town below. Ilaria Del Carretto was born in Zuccarello and grew up in Zuccarello Castle. The castle’s best-preserved side tower bears traces of 15th-century frescoes.

The Oratorio di Santa Maria Nascente houses a wooden Christ from the 15th century. Like the traces of frescoes on the castle’s side tower, the wooden Christ dates from the 15th century. In the Palazzo Marchionale, a meeting took place in 1459 between Giovanni di Calabria, the representative of the King of France and of Genoa, and the Marchesi del Carretto, to seal the peace between Genoa and the Del Carretto di Finale.

Protected Landscapes around Zuccarello

Zuccarello lies within the provincial protected area of Castellermo-Rocca Livernà. This protected area, which includes Zuccarello, encompasses spectacular rock walls several hundred metres high on the right slope of the Pennavaire, as well as numerous peaks, rock towers, monoliths, deeply incised valleys and narrow ridges.

The natural area also includes the provincial protected area of Monte Galero. Its southern slope is wild and forested, while the western ridge features rocky peaks. Zuccarello also lies within the provincial protected area of Poggio Grande, Monte Acuto, Valle Rio Ibà. This protected area, which includes Zuccarello, encompasses significant fossil deposits as well as numerous surface and underground karst formations.

Hiking Trail and Local Speciality

The Ilaria-del-Carretto hiking trail leads from Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena through olive groves and chestnut forests to Zuccarello. For planning the day, the route is clearly oriented: it begins in Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena and ends in Zuccarello.

Every year, local restaurants create menus centred around Zuccarello’s pumpkins, which are registered as De.Co. products.

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To the main travel overview: Savona.