Chia
Discovering Chia: a medieval village between history and legend
Chia is a medieval village that majestically stands at about 300 meters above sea level, in a panoramic position overlooking the Tevere Valley. Located in the province of Viterbo, in the hamlet of Soriano nel Cimino, Chia is a treasure trove of ancient legends and history, to be discovered among its alleys and its dilapidated palaces.
Characteristics: archaeology and history
The ancient inhabited nucleus of Chia dates back to 1100, and is still interesting from a historical and archaeological point of view. Among its characteristics, we find the interesting presence of rock tombs scattered in the surrounding woods, inhabited since pre-Etruscan times. Among these, Santa Cecilia's tombs in the municipality of Bomarzo are particularly noteworthy.
The inhabited center: the history of the village
The fortified village of Chia, which was once called a castle, is instead a complex of tiny palaces and houses. These were equipped with towers and bastions arranged according to a defensive scheme, demonstrating a history characterized by continuous battles between local governments. At the top of the hill, there is an irregular square, Piazza Giordano Bruno, abandoned and in ruins.
Inside Chia, we find another testament to its ancient history, in the form of a parish church dedicated to San Giovenale. This was modified in the Renaissance and completely destroyed. On the lintel of the portal, the following inscription is still legible:
"D.O.M. THIS TEMPLE DEDICATED TO THE HOLY MARTYR GIOVENALE OF THE PARISH OF CHIA WAS RESTORED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE FORMER MAYOR MESSER MEDICEI IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD MCCCLI HE DIED ON THE IDES OF FEBRUARY"
Finally, an arched underpass leads to a street that crosses two rows of currently inhabited houses, up to the town square.
Name: between history and Etruscology
It is not easy to identify the origin of the name of the village of Chia. According to a local legend, Chia takes its name from a noble Lombard who settled here with her retinue at the time of the Lombard raids in Lazio. However, the word seems of Etruscan origin and the presence of rock tombs in the area confirms the importance of this civilization in the surrounding area.
History: the events of the village
Numerous historical events have taken place in the fortified village of Chia, from the loss of the assets of the feudal lord named Cappello in 1260, to the return of the fief to the Apostolic Camera in 1301. The latter then gave its investiture, at the will of Boniface VIII, to Guastapane dei Porcari, to compensate him for the loss of the Soriano nel Cimino fortress.
In any case, the history of Chia remains shrouded in mystery today, between legends and proven facts, but no less fascinating. The ancient medieval village is a real treasure trove of history and culture to be discovered, to bring those stones back to life that, unfortunately, risk falling into ruins.
