Chiaravalle della Colomba Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Alseno, Italy
Chiaravalle della Colomba Abbey is a rectangular monastic complex with a grand basilica that blends Romanesque and Gothic design. The church features a soaring interior, while the 13th-century cloister is lined with marble columns and surrounded by other monastic buildings.
The abbey was founded in 1135 when Saint Bernard of Clairvaux selected this location at the request of the Bishop of Piacenza. It became an important religious center that shaped the spiritual and economic life of the northern Italian region.
The monastery reflects how Cistercian monks shaped the rhythm of daily life through prayer and work in this place. You can sense their dedication in the preserved objects and the quiet spaces they once occupied.
The abbey lies between Piacenza and Parma and is open to visitors year-round to explore the church, cloister, and museum displays. You can walk through the grounds at your own pace and spend as much time as you like in each area.
The name 'Colomba' comes from a local story about a white dove that supposedly guided the first monks to this place. This tale remains part of the site's identity and adds a layer of folklore to your visit.
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