Bernard de Clairvaux (hence the name Chiaravalle) founded this abbey in 1135. Marking the beginning of the Gothic period in Italy, the abbey is dominated by an elegant polygonal bell tower. The interior is renowned for its frescoes by the Fiammenghini (brothers Giovanni Mauro and Giovanni Battista Della Rovere), painted in the later 16C. The delightful Baroque choir stalls (dating from 1645) by Carlo Garavaglia are also worthy of note, as is the charming cloister.