Chieri: Museums, City Walls and Paths through History

Chieri between the Middle Ages and Baroque

In the historic centre of Chieri, the Middle Ages and Baroque blend harmoniously. This connection can be experienced through museums, historic buildings and paths through the city. The Mostra Archeologica Chieri – MAC, the Museo del Tessile, the Museo Martini and the StArt Gallery each focus on different aspects.

Archaeology in the Town Hall

The Mostra Archeologica Chieri – MAC was established in 2009 in the restored basement of Chieri Town Hall. Its exhibition route comprises three rooms dedicated to trade, funerary rituals and artisanal production. When travelling from Turin, take GTT line 30 to the Cavour stop. From there, the MAC is 140 metres away on foot; the stated walking time is two minutes.

Textile history and engaging interpretation

The Museo del Tessile documents textile activity in Chieri from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century through a collection of more than 3,000 objects. Working looms and machines illustrate the culture and technology of weaving; for this reason, the museum is considered a “living museum”. Today, the Imbiancheria del Vajro is used for workshops, laboratory events and temporary exhibitions.

Art, urban history and Don Bosco

The StArt Gallery is a permanent exhibition on the history and art of Chieri. Panels, wooden structures and display cases form its presentation formats. Two touchscreens are among its digital resources, enabling visitors to explore monuments, events and notable figures in greater depth. The Museo Don Bosco is housed in the building where Don Bosco was a seminarian in the 19th century. The former seminary building also preserves the seminary’s former dormitory as the place where Don Bosco lived for several years in his youth.

Oenology and city fortifications

The collection of the Museo Martini comprises 15 rooms and more than 600 objects relating to the history of oenology from the 7th century BC to the present day. The Bastione della Mina offers a different approach to the past; it was built around 1551 as part of Chieri’s fortification walls. A furnished walking path along the outer Rio Tepice defensive moat allows visitors to see further preserved sections of the city wall. This makes it possible to combine museum visits with a walk along the historic fortifications.

Paths around Chieri

The Complesso San Filippo in Chieri is an important stop on the Cammino Don Bosco. The Cammino di Don Bosco comprises three routes between the hills of Turin, Lake Arignano and the countryside around Chieri. When choosing a hotel in Chieri, you can therefore first decide whether the focus of your stay should be on museums and urban history or on combining culture and walking routes.

More destinations

More destinations: Brosso, Montaldo Torinese, Sestriere, Romano Canavese, Arignano, Stazione, Volpiano, Pinerolo

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.