Discover Riva presso Chieri: Church Art and Crafts

Churches, Towers and Historic Traces

The Cappella di Sant’Albano was built by Benedictine monks from Breme Abbey and preserves a semicircular Romanesque apse. The Chiesa della Confraternita della Santa Croce was expanded in the 18th century; its dome fresco by Vitaliano de Grassis dates from 1739. The present-day Parrocchia Maria Assunta was built between 1725 and 1792 to designs by several architects, including Bernardo Antonio Vittone. Its octagonal central space and elliptical dome are considered a mature work by Bernardo Antonio Vittone. The present-day church of the Santuario della Madonna della Fontana was built in 1777 by Luigi Michele Barberis, a pupil of Bernardo Antonio Vittone.

The older local history is also tangible. The Torre Astense dates from the 12th century, served as a lookout tower and was one of the entrances to the town within the medieval walls. Palazzo Grosso developed from the castle of Riva; its reconstruction was entrusted to Bernardo Vittone in 1738 and directed by Giacinto Bays from 1771 onwards. Negotiations concerning preparations for the Peace of Cherasco took place in Riva Castle in October 1630. The territory of Riva presso Chieri also contains several archaeological sites from the Roman period, including necropolises and graves. Traces of Roman centuriation can still be identified in modern cartography.

The local heritage also includes the Santa Croce Brotherhood and the Casetta natia di San Domenico Savio. The brotherhood was founded in 1587 and was based in the church of the same name, which had a Benedictine monastery attached to it. The Casetta natia di San Domenico Savio is the house in the San Giovanni district where the saint was born in 1842. Every year, a procession in honour of the patron saint leads to this Cappella di Sant’Albano; its symbol is a small cart pulled by two dogs.

Textile Tradition and Museum Culture

At the Bottega storica Tessitura Rivese, you can visit the rooms where the warp and fabric are produced; explanations are also provided. The Bottega displays fabrics, household linen 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. The permanent exhibition of the Museo del Paesaggio Sonoro in Palazzo Grosso opened on 12 June 2005. The Museo del Paesaggio Sonoro is temporarily closed for maintenance.

Scenic Road, Cycling and Regional Impressions

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 offers, among other things, museums, farms and wineries, cycle paths and hiking trails. The XXII Regional Cattle Show included a cattle exhibition, a market for regional specialities, a solidarity meal, guided tours, musical performances and conferences on agricultural topics.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Riva presso Chieri, you can use these different interests as a guide: churches and archaeological traces are suited to days focused on cultural history, Tessitura Rivese to craft discoveries, while the scenic road provides a more active focus. This allows you to align your accommodation choice with your desired combination of history, regional crafts and activity.

More Destinations

Also discover Cavour, Bricherasio, Grugliasco, Gassino Torinese, Alice Superiore, Chieri, Cumiana and Collegno.

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.