Chieri
Chieri: a medieval city to discover
Chieri, also known as 'Cher' in Piedmontese or 'Carreum Potentia' in Latin, is an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin, in Piedmont. With a population of 36,801 inhabitants, it is characterized by the beautiful Po hills that extend to the south-east of the capital. Here is the oldest urban center of the city, with typical medieval features.
The territory
Chieri is located at the foot of the Turin hill, on the southern portion of the Po hills. The municipal territory is crossed by two watercourses, the Banna (stream) and the Tepice, which runs through the city and has a covered channel.
History
The city has an ancient history and its medieval nucleus is still visible in many of its monuments and places of interest. Among the many, the cathedral, dating back to the 5th century, and the church of San Giorgio, which stands on the ruins of a 10th-century castle. Here, in Gothic style, a church was built which was then destroyed by a fire in 1412. The new church was built facing the city and is flanked by a pagoda bell tower. The current facade dates back to 1752 and is the work of Bernardo Antonio Vittone.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
Chieri is a city rich in religious architecture of great beauty. In addition to the cathedral and the church of San Giorgio, there are other churches of great artistic and historical value.
Church of San Domenico
Dating back to the 14th century and attached to the nearby convent, the church of San Domenico has a Gothic architecture with three naves and several patrician chapels built during the 14th century. The facade follows the course of the ancient city protection walls. Inside, you can admire works by Moncalvo, such as the 'Resurrection of Lazarus' and the 'Multiplication of Loaves', entrusted in 1614 to the decoration of the choir.
Church of San Guglielmo
Dating back to the 13th century, the church of San Guglielmo was the place where the 'Council of Belief', the most important organ of the Chierese Republic, was held in 1328.
Church of San Leonardo
Built in the fifteenth century and with three naves with a vault supported by pyriform columns, the church of San Leonardo was sold during the occupation of the Kingdom of France and transformed into a workshop in the nineteenth century. Initially erected by the Order of the Templars, it was subsequently used by the knights of Jerusalem as a center for assisting pilgrims in the holy city.
The castle of Chieri and the districts
From the castle of San Giorgio, the districts corresponding to the successive expansions of the walls depart in concentric circles. Adjacent to the fortress, we find the Tower of the Guelfs, which stands on the rock where the first medieval nucleus of Chieri was located. It was renovated in the Baroque era by Bernardo Antonio Vittone and overlooks the central Piazza Cavour.
Chieri is a city rich in history, art, and culture, to be discovered on foot among its ancient walls and medieval streets. Come and visit it, you won't regret it!
