Pronunciation: [pˈiːv] (IPA) 
The word "pieve" is not commonly known, but it is a medieval Italian term that refers to a type of church. It is pronounced as /ˈpiːveɪ/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "ie" digraph in "pieve" is pronounced like a long "e" sound, which is represented by the phonetic symbol /iː/. Additionally, the "v" in "pieve" is pronounced like a "v" in English, unlike in some Italian words where it can be pronounced like a "w".
Pieve is a noun that refers to a type of rural church, predominantly found in northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany. It is derived from the Latin word "plebs" meaning "people" and is associated with early medieval Christianity.
In its historical context, a pieve was a territorial subdivision of a diocese, representing a group of smaller churches and chapels within a particular area. The pieve itself was typically a larger and more significant church, serving as the central hub and spiritual center of the community. It often possessed a baptismal font, a bell tower, and other elaborate architectural features.
Pieves were responsible for administering sacraments, conducting religious ceremonies, and providing pastoral care to the surrounding rural population. They served as crucial social and religious institutions, playing a fundamental role in medieval society. Pieves also acted as local administrative units, with a pievano (prior) overseeing the governance of the territory and its churches.
These rural churches varied in size and architectural style, ranging from more modest and simple constructions to grander buildings featuring intricate details and decorative elements. Today, many pieves continue to be used as places of worship and are prominent cultural landmarks in their respective communities, attracting visitors with their historical and architectural significance.
The word "pieve" has its etymological roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word "plebs", meaning "people" or "parish", which later evolved into "plebes" in Vulgar Latin. From there, it transformed into "pieves" in Old Italian. The term "pieve" originally referred to a territorial subdivision within the early medieval Italian religious structure.
In the early Christian period, a "pieve" denoted a territorial area surrounding a rural church and encompassing several small villages. It functioned as a regional administrative and religious center for a group of parishes. The word "pieve" eventually came to represent the main church within this region and the administrative district it presided over.
Over time, the meaning of "pieve" expanded to include both the church building and the surrounding territory.
