Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: knotted pillar

The "Abbazia di Chiaravalle della Colomba" was founded in 1136. It was one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Italy. It was a "filiation" of the famous abbey Clairvaux (and maybe even Bernard of Clairvaux was involved). "Chiaravalle" = "claravallis" - just like "Clairvaux". The abbey was sacked and burned in 1248 by Frederick II of Swabia (aka "Frederick the One-Eyed") during his siege of Parma. In 1805 Napoleon's rule led to suppression of the order. In 1810, properties were assigned to the Civil Hospital of Piacenza. The archives and library were sold. Cistercian monks returned in 1937 and by now the abbey has joint ownership with the state. The church was erected during the 12th and 13th centuries, but was refurbished during the 15th century. The abbey has an estraordinary cloister added within the 13th century. At that time, the strict Cistercian soberity, still visible in the church´s interior, must have softened, as here are even sculpted capitals, or as Bernard of Clairvaux called them "ridicula monstruositas". The corners of the cloisters have (tripel!) knotted pillars. The abbey has an informative website (in Italian) www.chiaravalledellacolomba.it/index.php

The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is located on a hill in the hamlet Gropina, that meanwhile belongs to Loro Ciuffenna. A chapel existed here already in the 4th century. Soon after Charlemagne had donated the area to the Nonantola Abbey, Benedictian monks erected a church here end of the 8th century. The church of today was probably built within the 12th century. At that time this was one of the wealthiest parish church with the diocese, having about 30 depending churches. The nave is flanked by pillars, that all have sculpted capitals. The capitals of left and right side differ in style. Within some decades two workshops have worked here. Maybe even more. The remarkable pulpit is based on a knotted pillar, is a striking piece of art. Some scholars attribute it to a "Master of Campione" (or a workshop). The knotted pillar ends in this capital. The figures look rather frightening. Aliens from outer space?? Above them is inbetween the triangels - the head of a rat..

The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is located on a hill in the hamlet Gropina, that meanwhile belongs to Loro Ciuffenna. A chapel existed here already in the 4th century. Soon after Charlemagne had donated the area to the Nonantola Abbey, Benedictian monks erected a church here end of the 8th century. The church of today was probably built within the 12th century. At that time this was one of the wealthiest parish church with the diocese, having about 30 depending churches. The nave is flanked by pillars, that all have sculpted capitals. The capitals of left and right side differ in style. Within some decades two workshops have worked here. Maybe even more. The remarkable pulpit, based on a knotted pillar, is a striking piece of art. Some scholars attribute it to a "Master of Campione" (or a workshop). Campione is a place at the Lake Lugano, only about 30kms apart from Como. An area where many medieval Masters sculptors came from.

The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is located on a hill in the hamlet Gropina, that meanwhile belongs to Loro Ciuffenna. A chapel existed here already in the 4th century. Soon after Charlemagne had donated the area to the Nonantola Abbey, Benedictian monks erected a church here end of the 8th century. The church of today was probably built within the 12th century. At that time this was one of the wealthiest parish church with the diocese, having about 30 depending churches. The apse has a perfect gallery, a knotted pillar in the center.