The hotel, an old farmhouse completely restored, is located in front of the famous Chiaravalle Abbey, one of the symbols of Milan, and it is thanks to its curious ophitic columns, from ophys, “snake” in Greek, knotted as a symbol of circularity and intertwining, that the logo is inspired.

Overlooking a romantic canal lined with weeping willows and surrounded by greenery, the hotel is characterized by a 1940s atmosphere and mixes vintage objects with custom-made furnishings made by local artisans, such as the beautiful wardrobes that recall the travel trunks of the past.

You will find more in the woods than in books. The trees and rocks will teach you things that no teacher will tell you.

(San Bernardo)

The 13 rooms, including 4 suites, are each furnished differently with polished brass details, lamps by Serge Mouille, fabrics by Rubelli and a sexy boudoir atmosphere from the early twentieth century.

The breakfast room is very characteristic, where lunch and dinner are also served upon reservation, with huge windows overlooking the garden, wonderful for a break or an aperitif in the greenery.

Your stay can be made even more special thanks to a guided tour, by reservation, of the Chiaravalle Abbey founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1135, and one of the most important Italian monastic complexes. The Abbey is still inhabited today by Cistercian monks who adopt a circular philosophy by producing everything they need in the farm located inside it which also has a medieval mill still in operation.

If on clear days it is wonderful to enjoy the garden and its view of the Abbey tower, on foggy days the charm of Borgo Nuovo is even greater, to wander with your imagination among the atmospheres of the book The Name of the Rose.

For the Milanese, a visit to the Chiaravalle Abbey has always been a ritual, even just for a walk and a few purchases at the Bottega dei Monaci which offers a wide range of products directly processed and packaged by the monks themselves including honey, jams, sweets, sauces, aromatic herbs, Aloe preparation, creams, as well as reselling other quality products such as liqueurs, grappas, digestives, wines, medieval drinks, craft beers, infusions and herbal products of monastic tradition.

The Secret

History tells that it was in the Chiaravalle Abbey, around the year 1000, that the monks developed the recipe for Grana Padano, as a way to conserve excess milk.

Useful Info

Borgo Nuovo Boutique Hotel
Via San Bernardo 16
20139 Milano
Tel. +39 02 534647

Rooms from 110 euro with breakfast included

For visits to the Abbey, consult its website