Chiaravalle Abbey

Daughter monasteries

Monastery Cerreto Monastery of Chiaravalle di Fiastra Monastery Follina Monastery Capolago

The monastery of Chiaravalle Milanese ( Latin: Sanctae Mariæ Clarævallis Mediolanensis ), also of Santa Maria di Rovegnano, is a Cistercian monastery in Lombardy, Italy. It is now in the city of Milan in the province in the south of the city between the neighborhoods Vigentino and Rogoredo, not far from the highway to Florence.

History

The monastery was (although according to other sources of Citeaux ) founded in 1135 as a direct daughter house of Clairvaux Abbey Primary probably by Bernard of Clairvaux. Motive was probably to strengthen the position of Pope Innocent II against the antipope Anacletus II 1138 it was first mentioned as an abbey. Due to important foundations of Milan, the monastery quickly became the most important Cistercian branch in northern Italy. He was soon placed under or established by him the monasteries Cerreto, Chiaravalle di Fiastra and Follina. 1236 the monastery Capolago he was put. The church was first built 1150-1160, was ordained in 1221. 1443 the monastery was given in Upcoming. Kommendataräbte included the later popes Julius II and Clement VII in 1494, the monastery of San Ambrogio in Milan was organizationally united. 1497 joined the Italian Cistercian Congregation. During the Renaissance, it was by numerous artists, including Bernardino Luini and Fiammenghini decorated. 1798 the monastery was abolished by the Cisalpine Republic, but a Zisterzienserpriorat was re-established in 1952. Part of the plant was canceled during construction of the railway Milan -Genoa 1860. 1894, the plant was purchased by the Milan conservation authority. Since restoration work be carried out.

Plant and buildings

The monastery complex is completed by the gatehouse to the west. It is close to the Fremdenbau and the woman chapel. Before the abbey church (Santa Maria Assunta ) is a large forecourt. The approximately 63 meters long church is a cruciform brick basilica after bernhardinischem plan that will be dominated by the huge, 56 -meter high octagonal lantern tower with four tapered bullets from the early 14th century. The church has a rectangular main choir and three just -closed chapels on the east side of the transept arms. The nave is vierjochig with bays on massive circular pillars ( which was first probably provided a barrel vault ), the aisles are joining in a bound system. The Barockisierungen of the 17th century have been largely eliminated again. The convent building close to the south of the church. In the east wing is the neunjochige chapter house, which has been greatly changed in the 16th century. The south wing is the Gothic refectory. The Konversenbau in the West Wing has been extensively changed. He was separated by a street from the monastery cloister. The early Gothic cloister is preserved to the new south wing. He has vaulted towards the end of the 13th century with ribbed vaults.

Frescoes in the cupola

In 2010, the public were introduced to the frescoes in the dome again after a renovation period of ten years. In addition to such saints Girolamo, Augustine, Gregory and Ambrose the four apostles surmounted by a star-filled sky. Further scenes from the legend of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary is presented to the proclamation. The style of the frescoes is by some experts as the designated school of Giotto.