Discover Pedemonte: History, Festivals and Nature

Pedemonte Between History, Festivals and Landscape

Pedemonte is a place where historical references, religious traditions and experiences in nature exist closely alongside one another. The historic settlement consisted of several districts separated from one another by a stream. The former Borgo di Banchi, the churches and the traces of the Castello dei Visconti reflect different eras in the local landscape: the Borgo once housed taverns and craft workshops, while around the year 1000 the Castello dei Visconti stood on a hilltop.

Churches and Significant Heritage

The parish church of Santissima Annunziata has medieval origins and was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene until the 17th century. Today, it preserves a collection of paintings with works by Giovanni Carlone, Domenico Fiasella and Gian Battista Merano. The Chiesa Parrocchiale SS. Annunziata is also one of the protected immovable cultural assets of the province. Another notable site is the Santuario di San Rocco at the confluence of the Rio Pernecco and the Torrente Secca. The sanctuary includes a valuable forecourt paved with pebbles.

Pedemonte is also associated with the Tavola di Polcevera. It was found in 1506 in the hamlet of Pernecco in Pedemonte and contains the Sententia Minuciorum. The tablet is dated to 117 BC. The original is located in the Museo di Archeologia Ligure in Pegli. For a trip with a cultural focus, this artifact provides a particularly far-reaching historical connection that can be complemented by the medieval origins of the parish church and the Castello dei Visconti from around the year 1000.

Festivals with Their Own Traditions

The annual cycle in Pedemonte is also shaped by festivals. The festival of the Confraternita del Rosario is celebrated on October 7, and the festival of the Annunziata on April 20. For several decades, fireworks have been part of the programme for the San Rocco festival, attracting many worshippers and curious visitors from throughout the valley. For two days, the festival transforms Pedemonte into a large fair.

A special local tradition is also connected with San Rocco: because of a vow made at the beginning of the 20th century, dancing is forbidden in Pedemonte on Saint Rocco’s Day; this vow is still observed. The recurring Marcia di San Rocco running event reached its 8th edition in 2026.

Pernecco, Ciaè and Special Natural Features

Following the Pernecco, you can reach the hamlet of Ciaè from Pedemonte. A botanical trail that begins in the nearby municipality of Sant’Olcese ends there. In the vicinity of Pedemonte, Ciaè is also home to an old bridge. The area of Ciaè has been designated a Site of Community Importance because of particularly notable animal and plant species. Thus, in addition to the historic sites, waterways, paths and natural features are also central to exploring the area.

Family-Friendly Places and Practical Information

The Giardini della Tavola Bronzea have play equipment for small children and an area equipped for summer festivals. The Biblioteca Edoardo Firpo preserves almost 2,000 books, paintings, pieces of furniture and furnishings from the estate of Beatrice Solinas Donghi. As part of Music Village, the library organises music workshops for children and young people. This gives families and visitors interested in culture a range of points of interest in Pedemonte.

Pedemonte is well connected to public transport. The area is accessible to people with disabilities and enables safe and inclusive use of the surroundings. These conditions are just as relevant to your trip planning as the question of whether you want to focus your stay on historic churches, religious festivals, the history of the Tavola di Polcevera, the area around Ciaè or activities for children.

More places for trip planning: Lorsica, Torrazza, Serra Riccò, Casarza Ligure, Ruta, Moneglia, Sori, Vescina

For the higher-level travel overview: Genoa.