Chianni
A dive into the nature and history of Chianni, the Tuscan municipality
If you are looking for a small piece of paradise in Tuscany, Chianni could be the perfect place for you. This municipality in the province of Pisa, with its 1296 inhabitants, welcomes you in an enchanted valley, surrounded by rivers and chestnut, olive, and vine forests.
Physical geography
Territory
Chianni stretches between the Era and Fine rivers and boasts two hills, Monte Vaso and Monte Vitalba, respectively 742 and 965 meters high. Being located in area 2, with medium-high seismicity, Chianni has been the subject of attention by the PCM, which issued ordinance 3274 in 2003.
Climate
The climate of Chianni belongs to zone D, with a low atmospheric diffusivity (CNR - IBE 2002), which promotes clean air, making the atmosphere so crystal clear and healthy.
Origin of the name
The origins of the name Chianni are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from "Clanni," the name of a historical figure of Etruscan origin, or from "clango," meaning a place of woods favorable to hunting. It could also derive from "clanum," meaning "slope."
History
The history of Chianni is nothing short of fascinating. In 1186, the emperor Arrigo VI assigned the village to the bishop of Volterra, Ildebrando de' Pannocchieschi, but only seven years later, the inhabitants of Chianni swore fidelity to the Republic of Pisa. In 1288, Chianni was conquered again by the Pisans, but the population revolted again at the beginning of the 14th century, under the rule of Volterra. It was only in 1406 that Chianni, together with Rivalto, came under the control of the Republic of Florence. In 1629, Grand Duke Ferdinando II de' Medici assigned the territory of Montevaso and Chianni to the Riccardi family, elevating everything to a marquisate. The feudal system lasted until 1776 when Chianni came under the control of the Podesteria of Rosignano and the Chancellery of Lari.
Symbols
The symbol of Chianni is a shield with a crown in a blue sky, a band of red battlements, and a white band, with a white rose on a red background in the center. The band of battlements represents the ancient medieval character of the village, while the rose symbolizes the unspoiled woods of the area. Chianni is also famous for its wind farm inaugurated in 2007.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
Chianni is rich in religious architecture, including the Chapel of the Company of the Most Holy Annunciation, the Church of San Donato, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine, and the Church of Saints Fabiano and Sebastiano in Rivalto, the Oratory of the Holy Cross, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine in Rivalto.
Society
Demographic evolution
The history of the municipality is also reflected in its demographic evolution, with an increase in population corresponding to the establishment of the marquisate and a decrease under the control of the Podesterie.
Culture
Events
The summer in Chianni is full of shows and events: in July, the Chianni Opera Festival is held, with operas and concerts, while in August, the Paesan Fair is celebrated. But every time of year is good for visiting the village and appreciating its beauty and history.
