San Paolo between the Strone and Sacred Architectural History

San Paolo combines the river landscape of the Strone with a series of sacred buildings. This makes it a place where nature, local history and art come together in a shared travel experience during your trip to Italy. Points of interest can be found both around the river and in churches and smaller chapels.

San Paolo and the River Landscape of the Strone

The Strone River rises in the village of Scarpizzolo in San Paolo. It runs for 18 km through San Paolo, Verolavecchia, Verolanuova and Pontevico, where it flows into the Oglio River. Its surroundings are recognised as a “Parco locale di Interesse Sovracomunale”. The park covers 735 hectares, 70 of which are in San Paolo. This means that the connection with nature extends from the river’s actual source to a larger landscape area.

Cascina Laghetto has existed since the 18th century. Its history therefore represents a distinct aspect of local history and should be considered separately from the river landscape of the Strone.

Churches and Chapels with Their Own Architectural History

The sacred history includes the Parrocchiale di San Paolo, which was consecrated on 20 September 1978. The Santuario della Madonna della Rosa is also known as Madonnina; it was built on the initiative of the Maggi family in 1525 and rebuilt in 1926 on the remains of an earlier building.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta houses a Last Supper signed by Antonio Gandino and dated 1593. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta was also built at the beginning of the 18th century according to a design by the Bergamasque architect Bernardino Fedrighini. This building therefore brings together a specific work of art and architectural history.

The Chiesetta di Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore was built by Don Camisani in 1911. The Chiesetta di San Giovanni Battista is also known as San Giovannino, stands in open countryside near a disused brickworks and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Both chapels add smaller sacred buildings with clear local connections to the overall picture.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Nascente also has several construction phases: it was rebuilt in 1518 and replaced by a new building in the mid-19th century. In San Paolo, it is considered a worthwhile destination. For those interested in culture, this provides a tangible place where change and visitor interest come together.

A More Recent Perspective on San Paolo

Another point of interest is the “MA DE BÙ?!” cycling and walking path for rediscovering San Paolo. It was inaugurated on 26 January 2025. When choosing a hotel for your trip to Italy, you can plan your visit according to your own priorities: the Strone and the park represent landscape, the churches sacred architectural history and art, while this path adds a contemporary perspective on San Paolo. This allows you to align your accommodation choice with your interests.

Other Destinations

If you would like to explore beyond San Paolo during your trip to Italy, you will find other destinations in the surrounding area: Castel Venzago, Gottolengo, Angolo Terme, Pisogne, Clusane, Trenzano, Gambara and Marone.

For the main travel overview: Brescia.