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The Cistercian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba Chapter House and East Cloister Doorways
LINK TO MAIN PAGE ON L'ABBAZIA DI CHIARAVALLE DELLA COLOMBA
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The architectural highlights of the abbey are the magnificent window and doorway frames on the east side of the cloisters, which front the chapter house and adjoining rooms and the monks' dormitory staircase. The original parts of this have been dated to the later 1200s, and it is easy to see Islamic influence in their design (though the locals don't see this!). Sadly, the chapter house itself does not live up to the promise of its framing.
The corner columns of the cloister are carved from a single marble block to give the appearance of being four separate columns "knotted" in the middle ... this design, the origin of which is unknown, appears in various European abbeys and churches - the facade of Lucca Duomo has a pair at the upper level and you will also find one in the cloister of Santa Sophia in Benevento, Southern Italy.
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Links to other Paradoxplace web pages
All original material © Adrian Fletcher 2000-08 - The contents may not be hotlinked, or reproduced without permission.
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