San Fabiano, Prato
History
The church already was documented in 1082, and construction lasted into 12th century. Originally attached to a Benedictine monastery, it later passed to the Vallumbrosan Order.
The church is noted for the 11th century mosaic pavement, depicting panthers, sirens, griffins, and floral motifs, which were found during restoration of the church. The mosaic is made of light Alberese tiles and black marble. The mosaic images, like the siren, are believed to depict pagan symbols, which suggests that the church was built on a former pagan site.
In the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century, the brick polygonal bell-tower was added to the church. In 1522, Niccolò Soggi painted the altarpiece Baldo Magini with a model of the Church of San Fabiano; this painting is now located in the Prato Cathedral.
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.
References
- ^ Church of San Fabiano. Prato Turismo. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
- ^ John Moretti. Frommer's Florence, Tuscany and Umbria. John Wiley & Sons; 5 January 2010. ISBN 978-0-470-59766-8. p. 257.
- ^ 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.