The spiritual heritage of Pedaso is encapsulated in the evocative contrast between neo-Gothic grandeur and 18th-century humility. Until the early 20th century, the only place of worship was the “Chiesolina,” built between 1795 and 1797 on medieval remains. After decades of abandonment, this treasure of popular devotion was restored in 2007, revealing once again its delicate pictorial decorations.
The current architectural focus is, however, the Church of Santa Maria and San Pietro Apostolo, built between 1898 and 1920 based on the design by engineer Fagioli. The building references the forms of the 13th century and features an imposing facade with an elegant rose window. A detail of great symbolic value is the lunette above the portal, depicting the “fishers of men”: a clear homage to Saint Peter and the deep maritime tradition of the town.
The interior, developed in a Latin cross plan with three naves, is flooded with light from the polychrome stained glass windows depicting sacred scenes. In addition to the imposing major altar with its large candlesticks and the Crucifix, the church houses the Pinchi organ and statues dedicated to the patron and the Sacred Heart. However, the most precious artistic treasure is kept in the sacristy: a Holy Family with the infant Saint John from 1750, a work attributed to Filippo Ricci, which remains the strongest link to the historical and artistic heritage of the territory.