Pistoia - San Bartolomeo in Pantano

"San Bartolomeo in Pantano" was founded between 726 and 764 by the Lombard physician Gaiduald on swampy ground (= pantano) . A Benedictian convent was established here under the protection of the Marquises of Tuscany.

In 1433 the Benedictines were replaced by Canons Regular. End of the 18th century the monastery was given to the Vallumbrosan Order, which remained here in 1810. Then church became a parish church.

San Bartolomeo in Pantano of today gained its appearance at the time of Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade is divided into five compartments with arches supported by slender columns and decorated with bichrome marble. This is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style.

It is very much like the just seen facade of Sant' Andrea, only a few hundred metres away.