Ristoro dell'Abbazia In Milano

Peaceful place ten minutes from the center of Milan. Beautiful abbey, and lovely to walk near the mill and Vettabbia park. Relaxing.

This time I visited the village of Chiaravalle, enjoying the view of the apse and the ciribiciaccola from another perspective... take a tour!!!!

The Abbey of Chiaravalle Milanese, founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1135, is one of the most important monastic complexes in Italy. Construction of the current church began between 1150 and 1160, over an original chapel. In 1221, the Bishop of Milan, Enrico Settala, consecrated the completed church. Work continued on the cloister and other structures, such as the bell tower, commonly known as the "Ciribiciaccola" (1347–1349), and the chapter house (15th century), which includes graffiti attributed to the school of Bramante. The small church dedicated to Saint Bernard, built in 1412 and located at the entrance to the monastic complex, concludes the long cycle of construction. The large cloister, also attributed to a design by Bramante, was built between 1439 and 1497, but was later demolished. The bell tower on the façade, however, dates back to 1568. Still inhabited today by the traditional Cistercian monastic community, it is a place of considerable spiritual value and a significant hub from a historical, artistic, and cultural perspective. The complex is a highly prized tourist destination, whose value has increased significantly in recent years thanks to restoration and enhancement projects.

A religious and mystical place with a Benedictine abbey and convent. It's a shame we didn't meet any monks to chat with. We parked our camper right out front, with non-functioning loading and unloading facilities and a paid electricity bill. Free overnight parking.

Chiaravalle Abbey, just steps from the bustling center of Milan, is a place of extraordinary peace and beauty that transports visitors back in time. Founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1135, this Cistercian abbey is an architectural masterpiece and a living example of Benedictine spirituality. Its millennia-old history and the treasures it holds make it a must-see destination for anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Historical and Architectural Notes The abbey was built on reclaimed land by the Cistercian monks, an order known for their dedication to manual labor and agriculture. This industrious spirit is reflected in the simplicity and solidity of its architecture. The "Ciribiciaccola" bell tower is one of Chiaravalle's most recognizable symbols. Its construction, begun in 1340, is a remarkable example of Lombard Gothic style. The abbey church is an imposing Latin cross structure with three naves. The interior is austere, in keeping with the Cistercian rule of simplicity and detachment from worldly goods. The walls and vaults, however, are adorned with frescoes of great artistic value. The 15th-century main cloister is one of the abbey's most evocative spaces. Its marble columns and sculpted capitals create an atmosphere of profound serenity, ideal for meditation. Within the complex is one of the oldest millstones and a flour mill in Lombardy, a testament to the monks' skill in exploiting water to produce flour. The wood-carved choir is a 17th-century work of art. Each stall features different decorative motifs, recounting the lives of the saints and the history of the Cistercian order. Conclusions The Chiaravalle Abbey is much more than a simple historical monument; it is a place where past and present meet, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience. A place that enchants with its beauty, its history, and its profound tranquility.

Marvelous Abbey. The Chiaravalle Abbey is a jewel of Cistercian architecture, nestled in the greenery just outside Milan. Founded in the 12th century, it is striking for its majesty and the serenity that reigns among the cloisters and ancient frescoes. The bell tower, the symbol of the abbey, elegantly dominates the landscape. The interior houses valuable works of art and testimonies of monastic life. A place rich in history, spirituality, and beauty, perfect for a visit that combines culture and contemplation.

Interesting place to visit in a short time. We visited at the end of August, so there were very few other tourists, even though several venues were closed.

We visited Chiaravalle Abbey, one of the most significant Cistercian wonders in Northern Italy. Today, even the cloister, usually closed to the public, was accessible: a rare and precious opportunity. Strolling among those arches, immersed in the silence and the stone smoothed by time, was truly evocative. Despite the damage suffered over the centuries—wars, neglect, and bombings—the Abbey is still there, telling its story. It certainly needs major restoration, but a lack of funding likely hinders any intervention. Yet, despite everything, it continues to convey beauty, spirituality, and a profound sense of memory. A heritage that deserves much more attention.

A beautiful abbey, well-maintained and with many frescoes inside. The mill, powered by purified water, is also beautiful. The well-kept internal courtyard houses the dining hall and the singing room. I recommend everyone to visit it! It's very good for the soul!

It's a place of the heart, visiting it is good for the soul