Milan has many hidden secrets for the tourist that are worth discovering and exploring while taking your time around the city. Taking a trip out of Milan’s centre, you can visit the Parco Agricolo Sud and its wonderful abbeys, starting with the Cistercian monastery of Chiaravalle.

Founded by Cistercian monks in 1135, the Chiaravalle Abbey is instantly recognisable for its splendid bell tower. Precious artwork is conserved in its complex, including a Madonna and Child by Bernardino Luini and frescoes from Fiammenghini.

Taking a walk through the gothic cloisters is truly worth it, as is a visit to the chapter house. Visit the Borgodichiaravalle site for more information on the area and the history of the Abbey.

The abbey is open for visits from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm, and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm (although on Saturdays from June through to September there may be weddings taking place), and on Sundays from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. When the church is open for visits, the gate to the cloisters is open, otherwise during service times, it’s closed.

Reaching the abbey is easy. If you’re going by car, you need to go from San Donato, but a good option is taking the number 77 bus from Porta Romana that arrives directly at the abbey.

If you want to try something even more special, get a bicycle and explore the other abbeys of South Milan, including the Viboldone Abbey and the Mirasole Abbey. Milan has more to offer than just the Duomo, so get out and explore!

Photo | Flickr

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