Pedemonte: History, Culture and Local Festivals

Pedemonte brings together archaeological history, religious heritage and local traditions. The Tavola di Polcevera reaches far back into antiquity; the parish church of Santissima Annunziata and Castello dei Visconti represent other historical periods. There are also festivals held on set dates, and places of interest in the surrounding area. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on history, events or the area around Ciaè.

Archaeological Finds and Religious Heritage

The Tavola di Polcevera was found in 1506 in the hamlet of Pernecco in Pedemonte and dates to 117 BC. It contains the Sententia Minuciorum. The original is held in the collection of the Museo di Archeologia Ligure in Pegli, so the place where it was found and its current location are different. The tablet connects Pedemonte with an event in the town’s more recent history and an object that dates back many centuries further.

The parish church of Santissima Annunziata has medieval origins. Until the 17th century, it was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Its collection of paintings includes works by Giovanni Carlone, Domenico Fiasella and Gian Battista Merano. The Chiesa Parrocchiale SS. Annunziata is among the province’s protected immovable cultural assets.

The Santuario di San Rocco can also be identified by specific local features: it lies where the Rio Pernecco meets the Torrente Secca, and its forecourt is paved with pebbles. The historic settlement of Pedemonte consisted of several districts separated by the stream. Around the year 1000, Castello dei Visconti stood on a hill in Pedemonte. The Borgo di Banchi once had taverns and craft workshops—another indication of the area’s former use, not of businesses operating today.

Collections, Gardens and Events

The Biblioteca Edoardo Firpo preserves nearly 2,000 books, paintings, pieces of furniture and furnishings from the estate of Beatrice Solinas Donghi. As part of Music Village, the library holds music workshops for children and young people. The Giardini della Tavola Bronzea have play equipment for young children and an area equipped for summer festivals.

Festivals include the Confraternita del Rosario festival on 7 October and the Annunziata festival on 20 April. The San Rocco festival turns Pedemonte into a large fair for two days. For several decades, the festival has included a fireworks display that draws many worshippers and curious visitors from across the valley. A vow made in the early 20th century is why dancing is still not allowed on San Rocco Day.

The Marcia di San Rocco is also a recurring running event: its eighth edition took place on 16 August 2026. If you plan to time your trip around a festival or event, check the date in advance for your travel year.

Ciaè and the Surrounding Area

Follow the Pernecco from Pedemonte to reach the hamlet of Ciaè. A botanical trail that starts in the nearby municipality of Sant’Olcese ends there. There is also an old bridge in Ciaè, in the area around Pedemonte. The Ciaè area has been designated a Site of Community Importance because of its particularly noteworthy animal and plant species. The trail, the bridge and the site designation offer different ways to include the surrounding area in your travel plans.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Pedemonte is well served by public transport. For your specific journey, it’s worth checking the timetable for your travel date. Pedemonte is accessible to people with disabilities and allows the area to be used safely and inclusively.

Discover more destinations: Leivi, Prato, Bracco, Cogorno, San Colombano, Casella, Bogliasco, Castiglione Chiavarese.

For the main travel overview: Genoa.