Rivalto is the only hamlet in the municipality of Chianni, lying between the Rio Maggiore stream and the source of the River Fine. After the fall of the fortress of Collemontanino, near Casciana Terme, Rivalto became part of the fief of the Florentine marquis Ricciardi. The ancient perched structure of the village is still visible in the buildings on the north side that retain medieval features.
Blessed Giordano da Rivalto
An important figure of the medieval era was the Blessed Giordano da Rivalto, also known as Bernard of Pisa. After studying philosophy in Paris, he received the habit in the convent of Santa Caterina in Pisa. Gifted with an extraordinary memory (he knew the breviary, missal, Bible, and the second part of St Thomas’ Summa Theologiae in his head), he put his polished and persuasive oratory at the service of God. His sermons placed him among the fathers of the Italian language. He died in Piacenza, but his body is buried in Pisa under the high altar of the Church of Santa Caterina.
Churches
There are more elegant buildings in the village that date back to the period of the marquisate, such as the rectory from 1685 or the parish church of SS Fabiano and Sebastiano, which displays the coat of arms of the noble Mazzinghi family on its façade. The church, originally with one nave, was extended by annexing a cloister. The interior is bare of much of the original furnishings, apart from a valuable 18th-century altarpiece. To the right of the church rises the brick bell tower with its original mullioned window.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta with its strangely north-facing façade reveals an ancient structure, probably dating back to the 14th century, made more evident by the bell tower.
The little church of S Maria del Carmelo is a jewel, not far from the village and surrounded by a beautiful pine forest that can be reached by a short walk. Its churchyard hosts spring picnics and outings. The interior can only be visited on rare occasions, but the viewpoint is worth the visit.
The brown of Rivalto
Rivalto is known for the production of a particular chestnut, known as the Marrone di Rivalto, which is excellent both as a chestnut and as flour used to make typical autumn sweets such as castagnaccio, necci and fritters. Every year in mid-October, Rivalto dedicates an important festival to the marrone.