Chiassa: Church Art, Wine and Cycling Route

Chiassa between Pieve, Piazza and Vineyards

The Pieve di Santa Maria alla Chiassa is a church in the village of Chiassa. The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta alla Chiassa has three naves, three apses and a roof with a wooden roof truss. Small arches made of stone and bricks are characteristic of 10th-century Ravenna art. Inside, a fragment of an early medieval pluteus has been preserved; it depicts geometric figures and stylized animals.

The place of worship of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta alla Chiassa was built in the Early Middle Ages, between the 8th and 9th centuries. The church preserves fragmentary traces of two fresco cycles. The first fresco cycle dates from the late 14th century; many local artists were influenced by Spinello Aretino at that time.

Archaeological finds also deepen the history of the two churches. During work on the church floor of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta alla Chiassa, the remains of an imperial-era villa were discovered between 1973 and 1974. During floor works at the Pieve della Chiassa Superiore, the remains of an older church were discovered in 1973.

Museums, Mountains and Gardens in the Surrounding Area

Four cultural attractions are located in the area around La Chiassa: the Casa del Vasari museum, the Palazzo Bruni Ciocchi palace, the Museo Diocesano Arezzo museum and the Museo Statale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna museum.

The mountains Monte Acuto, Monte San Zio and Monte Fungaia are also located in the area around La Chiassa. The Villa Severi garden is likewise located in the area around La Chiassa.

Cycling Route and Viticulture as Special Themes

The L'Ardita gourmet cycling route uses routes with practically no change in elevation, including roads with a white surface and cycle paths.

Another highlight is located in Chiassa Superiore at Relais La Torre. It is situated in an old rural complex of Lombard origin dating from the 12th century. La Torre manages 13 hectares of vineyards, producing four red wines and Vin Santo. The name La Torre refers to a tower within the complex that has now been destroyed; in the event of an enemy attack, it served to protect the residents.

Commemorative Culture in the Piazza

On the exterior wall of a private residence opposite the piazza in front of the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta in Chiassa Superiore, there is a memorial plaque for Giovan Battista Mineo and Giuseppe Rosadi. The plaque records that both men brought a colonel back to the German command and thereby saved the local population from a massacre.

Further destinations in the same higher-level area: Poggiola, Molinelli, Ruscello, Olmo, Rigutino, Ranco Di Frassineto, San Firenze-Fonte Di Sala, Quarata.

To the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.