Cause of its position, Chivasso was important since Romans Age (124 b.C) when was named Clavasium, coins were minted here since 1307 and was called "Città" (town) since 1690. Several remains testify its history. In 571 was on the border between the territories of Galli and Longobardi. In Middle Age was the capital of Marquisate of Monferrato; the octagonal tower (photo), probably existing since VIII sec., is the remaining of his mighty castle built in 1178.

In 1415 with the donation of 150000 bricks from "Marchese Teodoro II Paleologo" started on the construction of "Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta" (photo), our gothic cathedral in which is kept an important picture of the town-dweller Defendente Ferrari (1530) and a pipe-organ of 3500 organ-pipes built in 1843. Its bell-tower was originally 86 m high; his 27 m high steeple was destroyed by French and Spanish during 1705 guns bombing and no more re-built; later was lowered due to instability and today is only 38 metres high,.

Essential cross-roads for France, Switzerland and Italy, in Chivasso was built the "Lancia" factory, the early airplanes and invented the zip-fastener: do you use it?

When you visit Chivasso don't forget to taste the "Nocciolini", typical small cookies, and the "Nocciolino", a liquor, both made with hazel-nuts; they taste good! And if you are here during the well-known Carnival, you'll enjoy a lot!

Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta

octagonal tower