San Fabiano, Prato
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San Fabiano is a Romanesque-style church and abbey in Prato, Tuscany, central Italy. It is located at Via di Gherardo and Via del Seminario street in Prato.[1] The early medieval church is one of Prato's oldest churches.[2]
History
The church was documented in 1082, and construction lasted into 12th century. The church is noted for the 11th century mosaic pavement, depicting panthers, sirens, griffins, and floral motifs,[3] which were found during restoration of the church. The mosaic is made of light Alberese tiles and black marble.[1] The mosaic images, like the siren, are believed to depict pagan symbols,[2] which suggests that the church was built on a former pagan site.[4]
In the 15th century[5] or the beginning of the 16th century, the brick polygonal bell-tower was added to the church.[1] In 1522 Niccolò Soggi made the painting Baldo Magini with a model of the Church of San Fabiano.[6]
The polychrome wooden Crucifix located behind the altar is also from the 16th century. Within the courtyard is a facade that has a white and green Prato marble archivolt portal.[1]
Originally attached to a Benedictine monastery, it later passed to the Vallumbrosan Order.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d Church of San Fabiano. Prato Turismo. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
- ^ a b John Moretti. Frommer's Florence, Tuscany and Umbria. John Wiley & Sons; 5 January 2010. ISBN 978-0-470-59766-8. p. 257.
- ^ a b Rete Civica di Prato, short introduction.
- ^ David Bershad; Caroline Mangone. The Christian Travelers Guide to Italy. Zondervan; 27 December 2011. ISBN 978-0-310-31575-9. p. 247.
- ^ Prato. Life in Italy. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
- ^ 1520s. Portrait timeline. Retrieved 25 May 2014.