Baldo Magini with a model of the Church of San Fabiano (1522) by Niccolò Soggi
San Fabiano
San Fabiano is a Romanesque-style, Roman Catholic church and abbey located at Via di Gherardo and Via del Seminario street in Prato, region of Tuscany, Italy.[1] The early medieval structure is one of Prato's oldest churches.[2]
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.[3]
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 painted the altarpiece Baldo Magini with a model of the Church of San Fabiano; this painting is now located in the Prato Cathedral.[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]
