Chivasso
Discovering Chivasso: The City Amidst the Hills of Piemonte
Chivasso, or Civass as it is called in Piemontese, is a municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin, in the historic-geographical region of Canavese in Piemonte. With a population of 26,843, Chivasso is situated on a plain about 25 km northeast of the regional capital and at the border of Canavese and Monferrato. The city's territory is crossed by the Po River and offers an unparalleled scenery, composed of green hills and spectacular landscapes.
Physical Geography
Chivasso is located in a plain near the banks of the Po River, at an altitude of about 200 meters above sea level. Its territory is crossed by the Po River and the Dora Baltea, both of which flow into the Adriatic Sea. The city is located at the border of Canavese and Monferrato and is surrounded by a series of green and picturesque hills.
Origins of the Name
The toponym Chivasso derives from the vulgar Latin and historically has been documented as "Clavasium". The name is believed to come from the term "clivus", meaning hill, and the suffix "aceus", indicating a place facing a hill. Chivasso was first mentioned in a historical document from the year 924, where it was named "Clavasius".
History of the City
The history of Chivasso is ancient and interesting. The first settlements in the area date back to the Iron Age and were the Celtic peoples of the Salassi and Cisalpine Gauls who occupied the area around the 8th century BC. Around the 2nd century BC, the Romans founded a military colony, camp, and supply station along the Via Gallica.
The Domination of the Aleramici
In 1164, Chivasso came under the imperial fiefdom of the noble family of the Aleramici, when they became Marquises of Monferrato. This was a period of great prosperity for the city, which was equipped with new fortifications, a castle, a mint, and a new parish church. During this period, Chivasso was the capital of the Marquisate of Monferrato.
The Domination of the Paleologi and the Savoy
In the 14th century, the city came under the domination of the noble family of the Paleologi. Chivasso remained the capital of Monferrato during their rule and became a center of culture and intellect, thanks to the arrival of artists and thinkers. In 1431, following the election of Casale Monferrato to the rank of capital of the Marquisate of Monferrato, Chivasso was annexed to the territories of the Duchy of Savoy, becoming one of the most important centers of Canavese.
Today's City
Today, Chivasso is a modern city that preserves its history in the historic center, where you can find the beautiful Crucifix of the main altar, preserved in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. The city is also known for its typographic art and the production of caps, which are an integral part of the local tradition. Chivasso is a small but lively city, with many commercial and cultural activities.
In conclusion, Chivasso is a city with a very interesting past and is surrounded by splendid nature. Both tourists and residents can enjoy a city rich in history and culture, offering enchanting landscapes and an authentic life experience. If you are looking for a quiet destination to visit in northern Italy, Chivasso is definitely an excellent choice!
