Chiesa dei SS. Pietro e Paolo

The parish church of Ascona is dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul and is located on a small square in the old town center. The 16th-century building stands on the site of a 14th-century oratory. The extension works (choir, sacristy, and the original bell tower) were carried out by Giovanni Beretta from Brissago in 1534. The six-story tower was rebuilt in the 18th century. The choir has a polygonal shape when viewed from the outside.
The central nave features a coffered ceiling, while the side aisles end in vaults.
Numerous frescoes adorn the walls, some in the apse dating back to the 16th century. Frescoes by Pietro Francesco Pancaldi Mola from 1770 are in the choir vault.
The large altarpiece of the marble altar by Gabriele Longhi (1786) was painted by Giovanni Serodine (1630). It may be considered one of his few surviving masterpieces. The artist from Ascona, a follower of Caravaggio, was active in Rome.

The paintings on the wall opposite the façade are “youthful works” by Giovanni Serodine. The artist, who died at only 30 years of age, probably painted them at 23. They depict the sons of Zebedee and the invitation to Emmaus. Serodine took the opportunity to incorporate expressive family portraits into the religious scenes.

The church is open daily from approximately 8.00 to 19.00.