Riva presso Chieri Among Churches, History and Craftsmanship

Riva presso Chieri combines sacred art, Roman traces, historic buildings, and a textile craft tradition. Those who choose the town as a travel destination encounter not only individual sights, but also a multifaceted history ranging from the Romanesque period to regional everyday culture.

Churches and Sacred Art

The Cappella di Sant’Albano was built by Benedictine monks from Breme Abbey and preserves a semicircular Romanesque apse. The history of the Chiesa della Confraternita della Santa Croce includes an 18th-century extension and a dome fresco by Vitaliano de Grassis from 1739. The Santa Croce Brotherhood was founded in 1587 and was based in the church of the same name, which had a Benedictine monastery attached to it.

Today’s Parrocchia Maria Assunta was built between 1725 and 1792 according to designs by several architects, including Bernardo Antonio Vittone. Its octagonal central space and elliptical dome are considered a mature work by Vittone. The present-day church of the Santuario della Madonna della Fontana was built in 1777 by Luigi Michele Barberis, a student of Bernardo Antonio Vittone. In Riva presso Chieri, different stages of Piedmontese sacred architecture can therefore be traced through specific buildings.

Roman Traces and Local History

The Torre Astense dates back to the 12th century. It served as a watchtower and was one of the entrances to the town within the medieval walls. The area around Riva presso Chieri also contains several archaeological sites from the Roman period, including necropolises and tombs. Traces of Roman centuriation can still be identified in modern cartography.

In the castle of Riva, negotiations concerning preparations for the Peace of Cherasco took place in October 1630. Palazzo Grosso developed from the castle of Riva; Bernardo Vittone was commissioned to rebuild it in 1738, and from 1771 Giacinto Bays directed the work. The permanent exhibition of the Museo del Paesaggio Sonoro in Palazzo Grosso opened on June 12, 2005, but is temporarily closed for maintenance. Another historic connection is preserved by the Casetta natia di San Domenico Savio: it is the house in the San Giovanni district where the saint was born in 1842.

Textile Tradition and Regional Culture

At the historic workshop Tessitura Rivese, you can visit the rooms used to produce the warp and fabric, with explanations provided. The workshop also displays fabrics, household linens, and finished household products in rooms dating from around 1900. Tessitura Rivese was founded in Riva presso Chieri in 1925 by Anselmo Raimondo Beltramo and is considered the town’s last textile company to preserve a craft tradition passed down through more than four generations.

Scenic Road, Projects and Events

A route leading from Riva presso Chieri to the Basilica di Superga runs along a scenic road where you can walk or cycle. Riva presso Chieri participates in the Strade di colori e sapori project. The wider project area includes museums, agricultural and wine-growing businesses, cycling paths, and hiking trails, among other attractions.

The 22nd Regional Cattle Show included a cattle exhibition, a market featuring regional specialties, a solidarity meal, guided tours, musical performances, and conferences on agricultural topics. The reception center in the adjoining farmhouse of the Casetta natia di San Domenico Savio also helps with local orientation. It has existed since 1987 and offers self-managed accommodation for youth groups and other groups of up to 60 people.

Other Destinations in the Area

For further travel planning, you can also explore Pecetto, Torre, Montanaro, Bruzolo, Garibaldi, Pont Canavese, Bardonecchia and San Giusto Canavese.

For the higher-level travel overview: Turin.