Already in December 2010 we dedicated a special to the splendid abbey of Chiaravalle (chiaravalle), with a shade of sadness for the air of decay lying over it.
Today, after about 5 years, finally the joy of seeing this imposing building flourishing again.
So we invite you to go and visit it in silence.
And don’t forget to stop at the liquor store to buy at least one of the liqueurs of the monks: it will be a delight for your palate and a little contribution to the life of the abbey.

A short history:
We shortly repeat what we said in the previous special.
Legend as is that in 1136 St. Bernard founded the abbey following the perimeter marked with wood shavings by a dove, and from this the name of Chiaravalle della Colomba.
It gained in importance and became the starting point for the foundation of more abbeys.
Partially destroyed and then rebuilt by Frederick Barbarossa, it was suppressed by Napoleon. In 1810 Marie Louise, duchess of Parma, assigned the surrounding properties to the Civil Hospital of Piacenza, so giving the start to its decay.
The decadence reached its height in 1976, when the abbey became a State property.
Thanks to the funds of the 2000 Jubilee, today the abbey flourishes again.

For more info:
borgo-italia: the Cistercencian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba
borgo-italia: Chiaravalle della Colomba abbey
Chiaravalle della Colomba
wiki:Abbazia_di_Chiaravalle_della_Colomba