Parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve

The old town centre, of mediaeval origin, not only features the tower, of which we have already spoken, but also, on the site of a previous church, the Parish Church of Pecetto, dedicated to Santa Maria della Neve (Madonna of the Snow), built from 1730 to 1739.

This was the first building designed by the architect Bernardo Antonio Vittone. Inside, a series of six altars are arranged along the side walls, culminating in the elegant main altar, of marble; this came from the Eremo and is the work of Francesco Dellala of Beinasco.

On the rear wall is the altar piece made in 1783 by Vittorio Amedeo Rapous, who was a pupil of Beaumont. Among the other notable works of art are the canvas above the first altar on the left, by an unknown artist, showing St Ursula with her sisters in religion, and another devoted to the souls in Purgatory; then there is the canvas above the second altar on the right, showing the protectors of the parish, Sts Antimus and Ferrarius; at the bottom of this painting is an 18th-century image of Pecetto. The visitor should also note the imposing 1778 organ, with its five manuals, and the wooden pulpit.

At the far end of the nave, on the right, is a small chapel in which there is a large 18th-century statue in papier maché of the grieving Virgin, remarkable both for the material used and for the technique of execution.

Alongside the parish church is Villa Sacro Cuore (formerly known as Villa Triulzi), from which there are wonderful views over the surrounding countryside; the sunny park, sheltered on the north side by the massive church building, is home to evergreen plants and flowers which are generally found in areas with a warmer climate.

Until 1988 the Municipio (Town Hall) was also close to the church; its current premises are in a fine mid-19th-century villa with an attractive garden.

The Biblioteca (Pecetto Library) is housed in what was formerly the school and subsequently the old Town Hall.