The Path of the Oratories is a very scenic hiking route, approximately 14 kilometers long, that connects the Church of St. Paul the Apostle with several of its dependent Oratories in the municipality of Val di Nizza, in Oltrepò Pavese.

From the beautiful church, whose origins date back to the 9th century, you quickly descend along a stretch of the old path known as the "Brgnü," until you reach the banks of the Nizza stream, arriving at the Molino dei Gobbi and then to the Oratory of San Lorenzo, built in the 16th century.

The route leads to the Serzego farm, now a renowned agriturismo, and from here you climb to reach the peaks on the right side of the Nizza stream. The peaks can also be reached by taking the Pratolungo variant. Walking along the high path, the visitor is rewarded with beautiful panoramic views, including the view from Mount dell'Orso over Val di Nizza and the Ardivestra Valley.

Following the signs, you descend to the valley, passing through the small village of Rivarolo, and then reach the Oratory of Madonna di Casa Schiavo. This Oratory contains Baroque works that date its origins to the 17th century.

Leaving the Oratory, you take the "Partisan Path," with a detour leading to the memorial marking the sacrifice of Silvano Salvatici.

In the village of Monticelli, the beautiful fountain offers refreshment before arriving at the Oratory of San Rocco, built in 1632 by the Malaspina Marchesi of Casarasco at the request of Cardinal Antonio Barberini, Abbot Commendatory of the Butrio Abbey, in gratitude after the plague epidemic that ravaged the valley in 1630.

A small detour leads to Casarasco, the ancient "Castrum Casalaxio" of the early Malaspina family of Lunigiana, which still retains important historical references.

Retracing your steps, you ascend to the village of Monte, a settlement dating back to around the year 1000 as a "domus culta" dependent on the Abbey of San Alberto di Butrio. After walking about 2 kilometers through shady oak and chestnut forests, you arrive at Poggio Ferrato, a village in Val di Nizza that is not without charm.

From the small square, you descend a few meters on the paved road, and in front of the Association's headquarters, you continue on the path leading to the Oratory of San Giulio, the next stop on the journey.

The Oratory, also known as the Oratory of St. Michael, was built as a Cenobium by the monks of Butrio around the 11th century. Later transformed into a small church, it represents one of the oldest places of worship in Val di Nizza.

After leaving behind the locality of Costa and walking a few hundred meters, near the iron cross, an expansive view opens up across the entire Val di Nizza. After passing the ruins of the Casella farmhouse, now overtaken by vegetation, and the few houses of Solaro, you quickly descend to the Church of St. Paul, where the excursion ends.

This path reveals the history, environment, and ancient worship of this land, offering a pleasant sense of nostalgia that will accompany you throughout the journey.

Equipment: hiking boots, rain jacket, trekking poles, camera, binoculars, water. Recommended period: all year round, except for hunting days. It is recommended not to light fires, not to pick flowers, not to leave waste, and to respect animals.

INFORMATION: Cultural Association Friends of Poggio Ferrato poggioferratoass@gmail.com www.amicidipoggioferrato.com Tel. +39 347.7250825

PHOTO: WALKING IN OLTREPÒ