The Cistercian Chiaravalle Abbey, also known as Fiastra Abbey, is one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. It was founded in 1135 by the order's founder Bernard of Clairvaux as a sign of overcoming the church schism, when two popes were elected in the country at the same time.
Over the course of its centuries-long history, the fate of the abbey was not easy: a long period of prosperity was replaced by a period of ruin, and the complex passed from one owner to another. The abbey church was reconstructed several times. However, the numerous changes did not affect its shape in any way - and to this day it still has the form of a Latin cross with three naves. But the most noticeable element of this building - a tower about 60 meters high - did not appear in the church's appearance immediately, but only at the beginning of the 14th century.
Inside, the church of Chiaravalle Abbey consists of eight bays and three apses with Romanesque arches. Coming here, you will be able to fully appreciate Bernardino Luini's famous fresco "Madonna of the Good Night."
The "knotted" column also usually attracts special attention from travelers - you will find it in the monastery gallery.
