Medieval Day at the Abbey of Chiaravalle Mill
A dive into the Middle Ages with crafts, dances, and flavors at the mill of the ancient Cistercian abbey
About Medieval Day at Chiaravalle
The Middle Ages come alive in Chiaravalle
The Medieval Day at the Abbey of Chiaravalle Mill is a re-enactment that transports visitors to the atmosphere of the late Middle Ages, in the heart of one of the most fascinating places in the Municipality of Milan (Lombardy): the Abbey of Chiaravalle, a Cistercian complex founded in the 12th century by St. Bernard, and its historic watermill at via Sant'Arialdo 102, in Municipality 5, on the edge of the South Milan Agricultural Park.
Crafts, flavors, and dances
The program brings the abbey village back to life with demonstrations of period crafts – from the barber-surgeon to the money changer – and with the operation of the mill, showcasing the machines powered by water. There is also space for dairy tradition, with interactive sessions on the origins of Grana Padano and cheese production in the Middle Ages. Court dances accompanied by period music, herbalism workshops in the monastery gardens, medieval drinks like hypocras (spiced wine) and ancient beers and ciders, and stands dedicated to body care and period cosmetics are also featured.
A choral event
The event is organized by the Monastery of Chiaravalle together with the Grana Padano Foundation, the Koinè social cooperative, the Duecentesca Cultural Association, and MM spa. A project that combines historical dissemination, heritage valorization, and attention to the community dimension, in a place that holds centuries of Milanese and Lombard history.
Medieval Day at Chiaravalle — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Medieval Day at the Abbey of Chiaravalle Mill was originally scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Due to bad weather, the event has been postponed to a new date, to be announced by the organizers on their official channels.
The program includes the operation of the ancient watermill, demonstrations of medieval crafts (barber-surgeon, money changer, banker), interactive sessions on the origins of Grana Padano and medieval cheese production, court dances with period music, herbalism workshops in the monastery gardens, medieval drinks (hypocras, beers, and ciders), and exhibitions on body care and period cosmetics.
Programme Medieval Day at Chiaravalle 2026
Program planned for the day (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM):
- Operation of the watermill with demonstration of the water-powered machines.
- Interactive sessions on the origins of Grana Padano and medieval cheese production.
- Demonstrations of period crafts (barber-surgeon, money changer, banker).
- Court dances accompanied by medieval music.
- Herbalism workshops in the monastery gardens.
- Tasting of medieval drinks (hypocras, beers, and ciders).
- Exhibitions on body care and medieval cosmetics.
Reservations are required for some activities. The new date will be announced on abbaziadichiaravalle.it.
Highlights Medieval Day at Chiaravalle 2026
Prices Medieval Day at Chiaravalle 2026
Practical information — Medieval Day at Chiaravalle
How to get there
Abbey of Chiaravalle Mill, via Sant'Arialdo 102, Milan (Municipality 5). Reachable by car from the ring road and by ATM public transport heading to Chiaravalle.
Hours and admission
Typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission by donation (free offering). Reservations are required for some activities and workshops.
Information
Contacts: [email protected], tel. +39 02 84930432. Details at abbaziadichiaravalle.it.
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Where does it take place — Medieval Day at Chiaravalle
Mulino dell'Abbazia di Chiaravalle
Via Sant'Arialdo 102, 20139 Milano