Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve

The church of Santa Maria della Pieve in Savigliano is considered the city's oldest church. Its present appearance is an eighteenth-century rebuilding by Bartolomeo Ricca, while archaeological and architectural remains point to earlier medieval phases.

Why it matters

Santa Maria della Pieve preserves more than fifteen centuries of religious history in Savigliano. The site evolved from a rural pieve outside the town walls into a church within the expanded city, with successive reconstructions leaving evidence of changing orientation, architecture and worship.

What to notice

The present façade conceals medieval remains from an earlier apsidal section, reflecting a fourteenth-century rebuilding that reversed the church's orientation. Inside are a Madonna Bianca dated to the early fourteenth century, two paintings from 1627 by Giovanni Antonio Molineri, and works by Jean Claret. The church also preserves an altar associated with an 1847 rebuilding of the apse and an organ gallery.

Context and history

The earliest document naming Santa Maria della Pieve dates to 1184, though an epigraphic fragment from the seventh century and wall remains from at least the twelfth century indicate an older complex. The church was damaged during conflict in 1360 and rebuilt from 1389 with a reversed orientation. Further works took place in the late fifteenth century and in 1591. Bartolomeo Ricca gave the church its present appearance between 1767 and 1769. A bell tower rebuilt in 1870 and the church's history as a pieve and parish add later layers.