The city of Chieri in the nineteenth century

In the nineteenth century the aristocracy was in decline and sold their properties to the entrepreneurial bourgeoisie. The presence of numerous workers in local factories favoured the birth of the “Societies of Mutual Aid” ( Società di Mutuo Soccorso). In 1861 the Kingdom of Italy was born. The “Technical Institute“ and the “Liceo-Ginnasio“ (Grammar School) were opened. Among the most important manufacturers were the following: the Ramella ,Tabasso, Fasano and the Gallina families. Many workers attended the school of the  “Società di Previdenza e Istruzione”; (the Society for Welfare and Instruction). In 1888  Nicolò Francone opened the library and founded the weekly newspaper “L’Arco”. The town saw notable economic development. It had many taverns, workshops and a flourishing marketplace. The churches of “San Domenico”,”San Giorgio” and the “Duomo” were restored. The Salesian priests of Don Bosco, the Benedictine nuns and the priests of the Mission made their homes in Chieri. From 1820 to 1949  the seminary also took residency in the town. In 1848 the Jewish ghetto was abolished. The scholars Cibrario, Montù and Bosio narrate the history of Chieri.