San Bartolomeo in Pantano
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San Bartolomeo in Pantano is a church in Pistoia, Tuscany, central Italy, dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle. The pantano of the name refers to the once marshy area in which the building was located.
History
The church and the annexed abbey were founded during the Lombard domination of Italy, between 726 and 764, by the Lombard physician Gaiduald. Here a group of Benedictines were established under the protection of the Marquises of Tuscany. The complex was first restored in the 12th century by Abbot Buono.
In 1433 the Benedictines were replaced by Lateranense Canons, member of the Augustinian Order. When they were suppressed, the monastery was given to the Vallumbrosan Order, which remained here in 1810, the church then becoming a parish church.
Overview
The church gained its present appearance at the time of Buono in 1159, being in the Pistoiese Romanesque style. Characteristic of this style is the façade, divided into five compartments with arches supported by slender columns, and with a marble bichrome decoration. The facade has notable examples of Romanesque art in the lions sculptures of the façade corners and of the portal, and the architrave depicting "Jesus with the Twelve Apostles" (dated to 1167).
The interior was much changed over the centuries, but a restoration held in 1951-1961 brought it to the original appearance. In the apse was found a Christ in Majesty between Saints and Angels from the late 13th century, attributed to one Manfredino d'Alberto. The pulpit sculpted in the mid 13th century by Guido da Como was also restored. The wooden crucifix in the high altar is from an unknown sculptor with a style resembling that of Giovanni Pisano.
See also
Coordinates: 43°56′03″N 10°55′13″E / 43.9341°N 10.9202°E