The Palazzo della Commenda is just a few minutes off the Via Emilia, between Fiorenzuola d'Arda and Alseno, immersed in the countryside and positioned in a precise checkerboard of green allotments plotted according to ancient land-partitioning methods, a red blur can be seen: Chiaravalle della Colomba Abbey. The basilica and cloister are a masterpiece of brickwork and Cistercian art, a speciality of the friars of the Saint Bernardino order. The hotel is about 26 km from the centre of Piacenza, and the nearest train station is roughly 6 km away in Fiorenzuola d'Arda.
Built in the 13th century, this stately home was the residence of the Commendatore, who was the abbot - the administrator in charge of the abbey's wealth and belongings. The restoration of the premises was completed in the year 2000, strictly utilising materials that were available in the 13th century. It has been successfully transformed into a hotel, restaurant and convention centre. In the centre of the complex itself, an ancient rustic courtyard can be found. A large patio has been created, divided by 4 flower beds, and off to one side is the tourist information centre. There are 15 rooms in total, and the complex provides air conditioning, a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, currency exchange facilities, lift access, a bar, a TV lounge, conference facilities and WLAN Internet access. Room and laundry services are on offer as well, and guests may make use of the hotel's bicycle hire service and parking garage. Additionally, there is a kids' club for younger guests.
The 15 spacious rooms are cosy and welcoming, with their wooden beams dating back to the original period of construction (during the restoration procedure, only 2 beams in the entire building were replaced). The accommodation includes a double bed, 20-inch TV with all major cable channels, pay TV, minibar, direct dial telephone and en suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer. Each room also comes with individually regulated air conditioning and heating, as well as a safe.
The Commenda Restaurant can be found on the second floor of the building and is divided into 2 split sections, one overlooking the other. The large wooden beams, which characterise these ancient buildings, are clearly on display here. From this point, the hundred possible dining guests have an impressive view of the courtyard below. The traditional cuisine includes regional dishes, and the chef endeavours to enhance or enrich particular tastes by carefully researching individual ingredients which may have been forgotten in time. A breakfast buffet is served daily, and lunch is available a la carte.
From the north and Milan; from West Genoa and Torino (A1): Exit for Fiorenzuola d'Arda. Just after paying the toll, follow the signs on the left to Fiorenzuola d'Arda, and follow the road to Fiorenzuola d'Arda. Go straight, and follow signs for Parma. Take the exit for Chiaravalle della Colomba, and follow the signs for Chiaravalle della Colomba. The hotel is right there. From the south and Bologna (A1): Exit for Fidenza, and follow the signs for Piacenza. Drive straight for about 2 km. Arrive at a crossroads, take the right to Piacenza, and follow the signs to Piacenza. Drive straight, and arrive in Alseno. Take a right, following the sign to Chiaravalle della Colomba. From Venice, Verona or Brescia (A1 and A21): After Cremona, Castelvetro, take the A1 towards Milano-Bologna. Exit for Fiorenzuola d'Arda. Just after paying the toll, follow the signs on the left to Fiorenzuola d'Arda. Go straight, and follow signs for Parma. Take the exit for Chiaravalle della Colomba, and follow the signs for Chiaravalle. The hotel is right there.
