San Bartolomeo in Pantano, Romanesque church in central Pistoia, Italy.
San Bartolomeo in Pantano is a Romanesque church in Pistoia featuring a facade divided into five sections. Arches supported by columns and decorated with alternating red and white marble patterns create a distinctive visual structure.
The church was established between 726 and 767 as a Benedictine abbey by Gaiduald, a local religious figure, with support from regional rulers. This early foundation marked the beginning of Christian settlement at this location in Tuscany.
The carved portal depicts Christ with his apostles in a 12th-century work framed by two guardian lions. These sculptures reflect the spiritual importance of the site and the artistic skill of medieval craftsmen.
The church functions as an active parish and is accessible to visitors most days of the week. Check local information beforehand and dress appropriately, especially if visiting during religious services.
The name 'Pantano' refers to the swampy ground where the building was constructed, created by a shift in the nearby Brana stream's course. This reveals how environmental conditions shaped both settlement and naming in this region.
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