We went back to the abbey of Chiaravalle to admire the splendid floral carpet created along the nave on the occasion of the Corpus Domini feast.
Made by flowers, leaves and pictures realized by a local artist with the help of the believers, every year the "Infiorata" depicts a special religious event.

Usually the floral carpet remains during the two following weeks.

We show some images that emphasize the majesty of the complex daydreaming about the astonishment of the pilgrims arrived at the abbey during the centuries.

A bit of history:
The tradition of the "infiorata" started in 13^th century on the initiative of a Cistercian nun, Juliana of Liège, who persuaded the Pope Urban IV to institute the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
During the solemnity there was a procession with the throwing of flowers petals.
To lengthen the feast the Cistercian monks began to realize the carpet of flowers and leaves.

The tradition at Chiaravalle was resumed in 1937 with the return of the monks.

A note:
We understand the commercial reasons and appreciate the local products (most of all the "torta fritta") but we criticize the defacement of the splendid cloister, with the placard “BAR e torta fritta” at its entrance.

For more info see the previous specials:
the Cistercencian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba
the Cistercencian Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba - 2nd