Chiaravalle is located in the southern valley of the Esino river; the town center is close to the river and is about 6 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Its history is closely linked to the Abbey of Santa Maria in Castagnola, founded in 616 A.D. by a group of Benedictine monks. It was built on the bank of the Esino river, under the order of Queen Teodolinda during the papacy of Pope Gregory I. The abbey is one of Italy's most important examples of Cistercian architectures. The interior has a Latin cross; there are three naves, divided by twelve pillars with pointed arches and vaults; the facade is decorated with a white rose window and the porch has five large arcades. The relationship between the abbey and the monastic community became stronger in the eighteenth century, when the monks started the activity of tobacco plants growing. Manifattura Tabacchi ( Tobacco Factory) officially opened in 1759, thanks to Abbot commendatory Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini. From now on Chiaravalle became independent from the abbey. The tobacco factory reached its peak in the nineteenth century and was vital for the whole community. Chiaravalle is the birthplace of Maria Montessori, the great educator and pedagogue known worldwide for the educational method that takes her name. Her birthplace is now home to a research center, managed by the Montessori Foundation. There is also a large library. We recommend visiting the local Theatre, built in the nineteenth century and restored in 1997: the hall is horseshoe-shaped, with three tiers of boxes and vault decorations that evoke mythological scenes. On the left bank of the Esino river is the "Cormorano Park", coverings 12 hectares of land; there's a cycle trail running for about 6 kilometers, from Chiaravalle to Falconara Marittima. The park also has two ponds, once used for gravel extraction; today game fishing is practiced.