CHIARAVALLE ABBEY

• By milanoprivateguide
• May 13th, 2016
• THE JEWELS

The Chiaravalle Abbey was founded in the 12th century by Bernard of Clairvaux in an area then unhealthy and marshy, that the Cistercian monks soon converted to a stunning model of efficient agricultural production. The Abbey church was consecrated in 1221; the church tower and the cloister were built later, in the 13th and the 14th centuries. The façade of the church was rebuilt in baroque style in the 1600s, and later partially restored to its original appearance. The Abbey was suppressed in 1798, then plundered and heavily damaged. In the late 1800s the restoration work began and finally, in 1952, the Cistercians returned.

Although the Cistercians had a preference for a style with few, if no decorations, many prominent artists were working in this Abbey throughout its history. One of the chapels once housed Bramante‘s Christ at the Column, then moved to the Pinacoteca di Brera to protect it during the First World War. Near the stair leading to the dormitory a platform is decorated by a Bernardino Luini‘s work, the Madonna della Buonanotte (Madonna of Good Night), so called because of the monks’ habit of greeting the Madonna with the last Ave Maria before sleeping. The 17th-century wooden choir, carved with episodes of St Bernard’s life and miracles, also deserves a mention.

In addition to the monastic complex, it is possible to visit the ancient mill, that we know was already operating in 1238. It is a characteristic feature of the Cistercian communities, that were known for their industry in clearing the thickets and woodland and in draining the marshes so as to establish up-to-date agriculture practices.

The Chiaravalle Abbey can be reached by bicycle from Milan (Porta Romana) following a nice path 7 kilometers long.