The Monastery of Chiaravalle della Colomba lies
not far from the Via Emilia. Its foundation can be credited to the
extraordinary activity of Saint Bernard.
The reference to colomba or dove is sometimes
attributed to a legend that tells of how the perimeter of the monastery
was indicated to the monks by a white dove using pieces of straw, but
perhaps it refers more simply to the mystery of the Annunciation, and so
in harmony with Cistercian spirituality.
The Church of Chiaravalle is dedicated to Santa
Maria Assunta. The Romanesque layout with nave and two aisles extends
upwards following a scheme that indicates a transition towards Gothic
precepts, ahead of its time. Saint Bernard, enemy of the ridicula
monstruositas of the medieval bestiary, imposed an essential
architectural style, without sculptures or decorations. The central nave
is formed by four large bays and the sacred edifice terminates – in
conformity with the abbey model – with the choir and transept.
Set against the right-hand aisle of the church is the
perfectly-preserved XIII-century cloister which one may enter. It is
square in shape and each side measures approximately forty meters. Each
gallery (or side) is divided into eight spans covered by cross-vaults
with thin ogives that descend onto ledges and circular keystones bearing
plant and animal motifs. The vaults are reinforced from the outside by
strong buttresses, in line with the transverse pointed arches that mark
the spans, whose bases rest on pedestals which are interrupted to allow
access to the central garden.
LOCALITY: Commune of Alseno, 35 Km from Piacenza
OPENING PERIOD: yearly opening
OPENING HOURS: Weekdays: 8.30 am-11.30 am and
2.30pm-5.30pm (last admissions 5 pm.) Weekends and holidays: 8.30am-12.00am (last admissions
11.30 am) and 2.00pm-6.00pm (last admissions 5.30 pm)
PRICE TICKETS: Donations welcome
SERVICES: Guided tours by booking tel.+39.0523.940132
ADDRESS: Loc. Chiaravalle della Colonba - 29010 Alseno (Piacenza) TELEPHONE: +39.0523.940132 FAX: +39.0523.940132 WEB SITE: www.comune.alseno.pc.it
Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba
LOCALITY: Commune of Alseno, 35 Km from Piacenza 