Artistic Treasures from the 15th to the 18th Century

Despite the reconstructions, the church preserves valuable works of art that testify to its long history. Among the oldest are:

• Sarcophagus Front (early 15th century): A bas-relief in stone depicting the tomb of the Fasanella family, the feudal lords of Morano.
• Fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie (15th century): Originating from the ruined church of the same name, it represents a highly venerated devotional image.
• Silver Processional Cross (1445): A fine work from the Neapolitan silverware school, donated by the priest Antonello de Sassone.

Sculptures by Pietro Bernini and Other Masterpieces

Of notable importance are the marble statues by Pietro Bernini, a Baroque sculptor from Tuscany active in Naples between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The church preserves two pairs of statues:

• Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Lucy (1592): From the Augustinian church of Colloreto, these statues represent Bernini’s early artistic phase, characterized by exuberance aimed at achieving pictorial and luministic effects.
• Saint Peter and Saint Paul (1601): The church’s patrons, these statues represent Bernini’s more mature phase, with a more classical and solemn style.

Other sculptural masterpieces include:

• Wooden Statue of the Candlemas (second half of the 17th century): Attributed to Giovan Pietro Cerchiaro, a local craftsman.
• Marble Statue of Saint Charles Borromeo (17th century): A work by a Neapolitan artist, placed in a grand 17th-century altar.

Paintings by Cristofaro Roncalli, Pedro Torres, and Giovan Battista Colimodio

The church also boasts a rich collection of paintings, including:

• Lamentation over the Dead Christ (1552-1626): A work by Cristofaro Roncalli, known as the Pomarancio, a Tuscan painter active between Rome and the Marche. The painting was part of a dismantled polyptych and decorated the altar of Santa Maria della Pietà.
• Immaculate Conception (1602): By Pedro Torres, a Flemish-influenced painter active in Morano, once the main altar piece, now in the sacristy.
• Madonna with Child on the Throne and Four Saints (1666): A work by Giovan Battista Colimodio from Orsomarso, a Calabrian painter influenced by the Neapolitan naturalism of the 17th century.
• Adoration of the Shepherds (1666): Another painting by Colimodio, depicting the Nativity with great mastery and attention to detail.

A Heritage to Safeguard and Enhance

The Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Morano Calabro represents a true gem of art and history, with works ranging from the 15th to the 19th century. Its architectural beauty, the richness of its furnishings, and the quality of its artworks make it a place of great charm and interest. The enhancement of this heritage through restoration work and cultural initiatives is essential to preserve the memory of the past and to introduce this Calabrian treasure to a wider audience.

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