Chiaravalle Abbey (in Latin Sanctae Mariae Claraevallis Mediolanensis, also known as Santa Maria di Rovegnano) is a Cistercian monastery officially founded on january 22nd 1135. Though it actually features some typical roman and late roman elements, it is considered one of the first examples of gothic architecture in Italy. The church was consecrated by Milan Bishop Enrico I Settala on May 2nd 1221 as recorded in the writing on the plate on the north-western corner of the cloister: “In the year of our Lord 1135 on january 1st, this monastery was built by Blessed Bernardo abbot of Chiaravalle: in 1221 this church was consecrated by Sir Enrico, Archbishop of Milan, on May 2nd, in honour of St. Mary of Chiaravalle