Chiassa – Churches, History and Wine

During work on the church floor of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta alla Chiassa, the remains of an imperial-era villa were discovered between 1973 and 1974. This find adds an older layer to the history of the area, preceding the medieval construction and decorative traces.

Church Heritage from the Early Middle Ages to Fresco Art

The Pieve di Santa Maria alla Chiassa is a church in the village of Chiassa. The Pieve della Chiassa Superiore contains a pluteus which, according to Fatucchi, dates to the 8th century. During floor work at this pieve, the remains of an older church were also discovered in 1973. Both indications make it clear that the local church history did not begin with the building forms visible today.

For the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta alla Chiassa, the place of worship is dated to the Early Middle Ages, between the 8th and 9th centuries. The building has three naves, three apses and a roof with a wooden roof truss. Small arches made of stone and brick are considered characteristic of 10th-century Ravenna art. Inside, a fragment of an early medieval pluteus has been preserved, depicting geometric figures and stylized animals. The pieve also preserves fragmentary traces of two fresco cycles.

The later history of art is also present here: the first fresco cycle dates from the late 14th century. Many local artists were influenced by Spinello Aretino at that time. For a trip combining different interests, the church thus offers several historical layers: early traces of construction and decoration, medieval ornamentation and a pictorial tradition preserved only in part. It is precisely this combination that distinguishes the individual pieces of evidence from one another, rather than merely presenting them as a general church visit.

Remembrance in Chiassa Superiore

Another specific historical site is a memorial plaque on the exterior wall of a private home opposite the piazza in front of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta in Chiassa Superiore. The plaque records that Giovan Battista Mineo and Giuseppe Rosadi brought a colonel back to the German command and thereby saved the local population from a massacre. The location on a private home and the precise relationship to the piazza give the remembrance a clearly designated place in the village landscape, without implying a general museum or exhibition operation.

Chiassa Superiore is also home to Relais La Torre, located in an old rural complex of Lombard origin dating from the 12th century. The name La Torre refers to a tower within the complex that has since been destroyed and which served to protect the inhabitants in the event of an enemy attack. The culinary offering includes La Torre's wine production: 13 hectares of vineyards are cultivated, producing four red wines and Vin Santo.

A Route with Virtually No Elevation Gain

If you would like to alternate between a cultural program and a cycling tour with fewer climbs, the L'Ardita gourmet cycling route offers a distinct option. It uses routes with virtually no elevation gain, including paths with a white surface and cycle paths. The route complements the cultural and culinary themes with a sporting option, without implying any specific route, distance or connection to a single attraction.

More Destinations to Choose From

If you would like to expand your search to include other places, you can also view Indicatore, Ranco Di Frassineto, Ponte Buriano-cincelli, Rigutino, Ruscello, Terrarossa, Antria and Palazzo Del Pero.

To the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.