Comune di Fanano
dove mi trovo : Introduction - History - Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
Church of San Silvestro
The church, which is thought to have been founded in the VIII Century by Saint Anselm, the Benedictine monk who built a great monastery here, and which received its name after the translation of the body of Pope Sylvester to Nonantola, was considered the finest, most magnificent of the Apennine area’s late Romanesque churches, although the renovation work in the XVII destroyed its original Romanesque layout with crypt and raised presbytery and turned it around, placing its altar at the west end so that its facade faced to the east, where the town had grown up. The interior has three naves, the roof supported by twelve pillars of shaped stone. The capitals, made from blocks of the local sandstone, appear to be the work of the Campionese masons. In the main doorway, the bases of the pillars which supported the original crypt, very similar to those in the Cathedral at Modena, are still visible. In the XVII Century the facade was moved to the east and the apse to the west, and the dome, the wooden ceiling and the side chapels were built. Major restoration work in the XX Century left the church as we see it today. The splendid doorway on the east of the church, built in 1502, is a fine example of decorative carving; as well as the ornamental motifs on the door-jambs, the crests of the community of Fanano in the top cornice are also worthy of note. Inside the church are a XIV-Century fresco attributed to Tommaso (or Barnaba) da Modena and paintings by Pellegrino da Fanano, the Magnanini, the Florentine Francesco Curradi, Matteo Ponzone from the Veneto region, Di Domenico Cresti (“il Passignano”) and other painters of the XVI-XVII Centuries.
The church, which is thought to have been founded in the VIII Century by Saint Anselm, the Benedictine monk who built a great monastery here, and which received its name after the translation of the body of Pope Sylvester to Nonantola, was considered the finest, most magnificent of the Apennine area’s late Romanesque churches, although the renovation work in the XVII destroyed its original Romanesque layout with crypt and raised presbytery and turned it around, placing its altar at the west end so that its facade faced to the east, where the town had grown up. The interior has three naves, the roof supported by twelve pillars of shaped stone. The capitals, made from blocks of the local sandstone, appear to be the work of the Campionese masons. In the main doorway, the bases of the pillars which supported the original crypt, very similar to those in the Cathedral at Modena, are still visible. In the XVII Century the facade was moved to the east and the apse to the west, and the dome, the wooden ceiling and the side chapels were built. Major restoration work in the XX Century left the church as we see it today. The splendid doorway on the east of the church, built in 1502, is a fine example of decorative carving; as well as the ornamental motifs on the door-jambs, the crests of the community of Fanano in the top cornice are also worthy of note. Inside the church are a XIV-Century fresco attributed to Tommaso (or Barnaba) da Modena and paintings by Pellegrino da Fanano, the Magnanini, the Florentine Francesco Curradi, Matteo Ponzone from the Veneto region, Di Domenico Cresti (“il Passignano”) and other painters of the XVI-XVII Centuries.
Church of San Giuseppe
The church, in the heart of the town’s historic centre, was built by Ottonello Ottonelli together with the Collegio delle Scuole Pie School in 1619 and dedicated to Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary. Built on a rectangular plan, it has a single nave with side chapels outlined by sandstone arches, balustrades and cornices; the richly carved Baroque wooden altars are magnificent, while the main altar, richly decorated in accordance with the artistic canons of the Counter-Reformation and Baroque, conceals a small presbytery. The interior contains fine paintings including a “Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria” attributed to Guercino and the “Madonna della Ghiara” attributed to Ludovico Lana; there are also works by Pellegrino da Fanano and Girolamo Vanulli. The vaulted ceiling was decorated by Fermo Forti. The excellent mid-XVII Century organ has recently been restored. The Sacristy, which today houses the Library of the Scolipi Fathers, is of great interest and retains large sections of its original masonry. From here, an original internal passageway gives access to what was once the Monastery of the Scolipi Fathers and is now the Town Hall, maintaining the original form and layout of the buildings.
The church, in the heart of the town’s historic centre, was built by Ottonello Ottonelli together with the Collegio delle Scuole Pie School in 1619 and dedicated to Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary. Built on a rectangular plan, it has a single nave with side chapels outlined by sandstone arches, balustrades and cornices; the richly carved Baroque wooden altars are magnificent, while the main altar, richly decorated in accordance with the artistic canons of the Counter-Reformation and Baroque, conceals a small presbytery. The interior contains fine paintings including a “Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria” attributed to Guercino and the “Madonna della Ghiara” attributed to Ludovico Lana; there are also works by Pellegrino da Fanano and Girolamo Vanulli. The vaulted ceiling was decorated by Fermo Forti. The excellent mid-XVII Century organ has recently been restored. The Sacristy, which today houses the Library of the Scolipi Fathers, is of great interest and retains large sections of its original masonry. From here, an original internal passageway gives access to what was once the Monastery of the Scolipi Fathers and is now the Town Hall, maintaining the original form and layout of the buildings.
Church of San Colombano
Standing on a small rise to the west of Fanano’s parish church, this is thought to be the first church to be built in the town, erected in the VII Century by a group of monks from the foundation of Saint Columbanus at Bobbio. Rebuilt in 1580, it was destroyed 15 years later by wind and storms and rebuilt again by Ottonello Ottonelli, only the foundations therefore remain of its original structure. Monsignor Eugenio Battistini restored it in 1897.
Standing on a small rise to the west of Fanano’s parish church, this is thought to be the first church to be built in the town, erected in the VII Century by a group of monks from the foundation of Saint Columbanus at Bobbio. Rebuilt in 1580, it was destroyed 15 years later by wind and storms and rebuilt again by Ottonello Ottonelli, only the foundations therefore remain of its original structure. Monsignor Eugenio Battistini restored it in 1897.
Church of San Francesco d’Assisi
This church stands on the northern outskirts of Fanano in the area named after the Franciscan Monastery which used to stand there; strangely, the church itself is actually dedicated to the Virgin in Glory. It is now the chapel serving the town’s Cemetery. It was built in the XVII Century in honour of the Madonna. It has an attractive portico built in 1636, with elegant Renaissance ionic pillars supporting a large sandstone cornice. There is a small bell tower, with the bell housed in a niche, on the sloping roof of the nave. The church’s decorations, carvings and paintings are all the work of local masters: Gherardini, Magnanini and the master masons of Lotta.
This church stands on the northern outskirts of Fanano in the area named after the Franciscan Monastery which used to stand there; strangely, the church itself is actually dedicated to the Virgin in Glory. It is now the chapel serving the town’s Cemetery. It was built in the XVII Century in honour of the Madonna. It has an attractive portico built in 1636, with elegant Renaissance ionic pillars supporting a large sandstone cornice. There is a small bell tower, with the bell housed in a niche, on the sloping roof of the nave. The church’s decorations, carvings and paintings are all the work of local masters: Gherardini, Magnanini and the master masons of Lotta.
Church and Convent of S. Chiara
Both buildings, constructed at the end of the XVI Century by Count Ottonello Ottonelli, were rebuilt after the earthquake in 1920. The facade of the Church, finished with finely carved sandstone, is divided into three sectors, the central one containing the main doorway with a rose-window above the architrave, and the sides with two large windows covered with iron gratings. Inside the church there are two multicoloured and gilded wooden altarpieces, one containing a fine “Assumption” by Francesco Cavazzoni (1600). Also worthy of note are the excellent furniture and fittings and various paintings in the sacristy and convent (including a very interesting “Madonna and Saints” by Mastelletta).
Both buildings, constructed at the end of the XVI Century by Count Ottonello Ottonelli, were rebuilt after the earthquake in 1920. The facade of the Church, finished with finely carved sandstone, is divided into three sectors, the central one containing the main doorway with a rose-window above the architrave, and the sides with two large windows covered with iron gratings. Inside the church there are two multicoloured and gilded wooden altarpieces, one containing a fine “Assumption” by Francesco Cavazzoni (1600). Also worthy of note are the excellent furniture and fittings and various paintings in the sacristy and convent (including a very interesting “Madonna and Saints” by Mastelletta).
Convent of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters (formerly the Capuchins)
This very large building, close to the parish church, was constructed at the end of the XVII Century. A key feature of Fanano’s urban religious fabric, it has been renovated and enlarged on various occasions over the centuries. It formerly housed a girls’ school, and its oldest section still has its original structure with vegetable garden and yard. Inside, the building has a wealth of fine works by local craftsmen in its furnishings, and many paintings of artistic interest.
This very large building, close to the parish church, was constructed at the end of the XVII Century. A key feature of Fanano’s urban religious fabric, it has been renovated and enlarged on various occasions over the centuries. It formerly housed a girls’ school, and its oldest section still has its original structure with vegetable garden and yard. Inside, the building has a wealth of fine works by local craftsmen in its furnishings, and many paintings of artistic interest.
Confraternity Chapels:
The chapels, or “oratorie”, were designed as architectural annexes giving access to the parish Church, beside which they stand:
Chapel of S. Giovanni Decollato
Known also as the “alla Misericordia” chapel, it is the finest in terms of its religious furnishings: it has a magnificent altar with a monumental wooden altarpiece produced by the local carver Giovanni Gherardini in 1694. On the walls there are XVI and XVII Century paintings by the Magnanini family, Pellegrino da Fanano and others.
Chapel of the SS.Rosario
Rectangular in shape and originally facing towards the parish church, it was built around 1590; restoration work in the early years of the last century left it facing towards the street. The sandstone altar carries an altarpiece in the same material with a late XVI Century painting of the “Madonna del Rosario”.
Chapel of the SS.Sacramento
Built in the early XVII (1630) on the initiative above all of the Fanano man Agramante Fogliani, its design shows clear signs of sophistication. The chapel, surrounded by monolithic columns sustaining a large sandstone arch, has a fine cornice running around it at the height of the capitals. All the original XVII furnishings survive intact. The interior contains a rich gilded wood altarpiece, paintings of the XVI school and two large gilded wood processional crosses dating from the XVIII Century. The bell in the building’s small bell-tower dates from 1720.
Chapel of the B.V. del Carmine
No longer a religious building, this was the oldest of all the chapels, since the Confraternity of the same name is recorded as being in existence as early as 1492.
The chapels, or “oratorie”, were designed as architectural annexes giving access to the parish Church, beside which they stand:
Chapel of S. Giovanni Decollato
Known also as the “alla Misericordia” chapel, it is the finest in terms of its religious furnishings: it has a magnificent altar with a monumental wooden altarpiece produced by the local carver Giovanni Gherardini in 1694. On the walls there are XVI and XVII Century paintings by the Magnanini family, Pellegrino da Fanano and others.
Chapel of the SS.Rosario
Rectangular in shape and originally facing towards the parish church, it was built around 1590; restoration work in the early years of the last century left it facing towards the street. The sandstone altar carries an altarpiece in the same material with a late XVI Century painting of the “Madonna del Rosario”.
Chapel of the SS.Sacramento
Built in the early XVII (1630) on the initiative above all of the Fanano man Agramante Fogliani, its design shows clear signs of sophistication. The chapel, surrounded by monolithic columns sustaining a large sandstone arch, has a fine cornice running around it at the height of the capitals. All the original XVII furnishings survive intact. The interior contains a rich gilded wood altarpiece, paintings of the XVI school and two large gilded wood processional crosses dating from the XVIII Century. The bell in the building’s small bell-tower dates from 1720.
Chapel of the B.V. del Carmine
No longer a religious building, this was the oldest of all the chapels, since the Confraternity of the same name is recorded as being in existence as early as 1492.
Church of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie, known as Madonna del Ponte
Erected near to the bridge over the Fellicarolo by the Ottonelli family in 1650, it was rebuilt in the early XX Century and was later dedicated to Fanano’s emigrants. Outside there is a monument in local stone to Felice Pedroni, Fanano’s most famous emigrant son. The altar has a good monumental frame attributed to the Gherardini brothers and a large painting of “The Eternal Father and Saints” by Pellegrino da Fanano.
Erected near to the bridge over the Fellicarolo by the Ottonelli family in 1650, it was rebuilt in the early XX Century and was later dedicated to Fanano’s emigrants. Outside there is a monument in local stone to Felice Pedroni, Fanano’s most famous emigrant son. The altar has a good monumental frame attributed to the Gherardini brothers and a large painting of “The Eternal Father and Saints” by Pellegrino da Fanano.
Parish Church of S. Margherita, Lotta
Entirely rebuilt in 1601 and then in 1720, the building has a plain external facade, which was recently restored together with the bell-tower. Inside, the wide nave is flanked by two side chapels, with several painting by the Magnanini family. The sacristy contains furnishings and furniture by local craftsmen, as well as a silver processional cross from the early XVI Century.
Entirely rebuilt in 1601 and then in 1720, the building has a plain external facade, which was recently restored together with the bell-tower. Inside, the wide nave is flanked by two side chapels, with several painting by the Magnanini family. The sacristy contains furnishings and furniture by local craftsmen, as well as a silver processional cross from the early XVI Century.
Parish Church of San Giacomo, Ospitale
The building dates from the second half of the XVI Century, perhaps rebuilt on the ruins of the ancient Val di Lamola Hospice founded by Saint Anselm. It was completely rebuilt in the early XX Century. Inside, the finest item is a bronze Paschal candelabrum dating from the XVI Century.
The building dates from the second half of the XVI Century, perhaps rebuilt on the ruins of the ancient Val di Lamola Hospice founded by Saint Anselm. It was completely rebuilt in the early XX Century. Inside, the finest item is a bronze Paschal candelabrum dating from the XVI Century.
Parish Church of San Lorenzo, Trentino
This large church was built at the end of the XVI Century. The paired chapels running along each side of the building contain fine XVI wooden altarpieces and paintings, including one by the Magnanini family and one by Pellegrino da Fanano.
This large church was built at the end of the XVI Century. The paired chapels running along each side of the building contain fine XVI wooden altarpieces and paintings, including one by the Magnanini family and one by Pellegrino da Fanano.
Parish Church of San Michele, Canevare
Originally a chapel, the building was transformed into a parish church in 1712 and has been restructured several times. The design of the stonework facade is Romanesque in inspiration and ashlared stones also appear on the nearby bell-tower. The side altars feature gilded and multicoloured wooden altarpieces with fine local workmanship, and there is an altar frontal carrying a XVIII Century Madonna del Buon Consiglio.
Originally a chapel, the building was transformed into a parish church in 1712 and has been restructured several times. The design of the stonework facade is Romanesque in inspiration and ashlared stones also appear on the nearby bell-tower. The side altars feature gilded and multicoloured wooden altarpieces with fine local workmanship, and there is an altar frontal carrying a XVIII Century Madonna del Buon Consiglio.
Parish Church of San Pietro, Fellicarolo
Here again, a chapel originally stood on the site; built in 1429, it was replaced by a church in 1515. Rebuilt in 1786 after it was destroyed by a landslide, the church has a single nave with three chapels on each side and a circular apse; the stunningly crafted wooden choir which came from the Monastery of San Francesco in Fanano is the work of the local brothers Innocenzo and Michele Angelo Corsini; also of interest are the wooden altarpieces and paintings in the chapels and rather good furniture in the sacristy.
Here again, a chapel originally stood on the site; built in 1429, it was replaced by a church in 1515. Rebuilt in 1786 after it was destroyed by a landslide, the church has a single nave with three chapels on each side and a circular apse; the stunningly crafted wooden choir which came from the Monastery of San Francesco in Fanano is the work of the local brothers Innocenzo and Michele Angelo Corsini; also of interest are the wooden altarpieces and paintings in the chapels and rather good furniture in the sacristy.
Parish Church of San Pietro and San Giusto, Trignano
The building is XVII-XVIII Century in style, with a single nave and two chapels on each side containing XVII and XVIII Century paintings in wooden altarpieces from the same period. The right-hand chapel contains a picture with the Madonna in glory and saints dated 1601 by Ascanio Magnanini and another, dated 1646, by Pellegrino da Fanano.
The building is XVII-XVIII Century in style, with a single nave and two chapels on each side containing XVII and XVIII Century paintings in wooden altarpieces from the same period. The right-hand chapel contains a picture with the Madonna in glory and saints dated 1601 by Ascanio Magnanini and another, dated 1646, by Pellegrino da Fanano.
Chapel of Santa Croce
Built in 1726-1727 on the site where the image of the Cross was found in a split boulder, the chapel was originally in the form of a Greek cross before the part reaching towards the main entrance was extended. On the main altar a splendid gilded wooden frame encloses the vague impression of the cross on the stone; the XVII silver lamps, frames and tabernacle are of fine workmanship; the walls carry a collection of rustic religious paintings and offerings.
Built in 1726-1727 on the site where the image of the Cross was found in a split boulder, the chapel was originally in the form of a Greek cross before the part reaching towards the main entrance was extended. On the main altar a splendid gilded wooden frame encloses the vague impression of the cross on the stone; the XVII silver lamps, frames and tabernacle are of fine workmanship; the walls carry a collection of rustic religious paintings and offerings.
Chapel of S. Anna, Lotta
Standing above Lotta parish church, the chapel was built in 1603 in tribute to a sacred image of the Madonna found undamaged in spite of the disastrous earthquake which destroyed the whole hamlet of Lotta. Recently renovated, it has a facade with portico supported by monolithic sandstone columns. Inside are a recently renovated organ attributed to the XIX Century organ-builder Filippo Tronci and some fine paintings, including a “Madonna with Child, St Charles, and St Peter”, dated 1620, and “St Catherine of Alexandria”, by the Magnanini family.
Standing above Lotta parish church, the chapel was built in 1603 in tribute to a sacred image of the Madonna found undamaged in spite of the disastrous earthquake which destroyed the whole hamlet of Lotta. Recently renovated, it has a facade with portico supported by monolithic sandstone columns. Inside are a recently renovated organ attributed to the XIX Century organ-builder Filippo Tronci and some fine paintings, including a “Madonna with Child, St Charles, and St Peter”, dated 1620, and “St Catherine of Alexandria”, by the Magnanini family.
Town Hall
The building was once the Monastery of the Scolopi Fathers. It was built together with the Church of San Giuseppe by Count Ottonello Ottonelli in 1619. In 1810 the building was transferred to the Municipality; it housed a university college for law students for some years (until 1810) before becoming the Town Hall.
The building was once the Monastery of the Scolopi Fathers. It was built together with the Church of San Giuseppe by Count Ottonello Ottonelli in 1619. In 1810 the building was transferred to the Municipality; it housed a university college for law students for some years (until 1810) before becoming the Town Hall.
Palazzo Lardi and Clock Tower
Standing at the beginning of Via Sabbatini, it was built in 1340 as the headquarters of the Infantry Corps, later served as a gendarmerie with prison, and then became a private residence. In 1433 it housed Cosimo de’ Medici during his exile from Florence, and in 1439 it gave accommodation to Pope Eugene IV on his return from the Council of Ferrara. In the XVI Century the facade was decorated in Tuscan style, with the fine main doorway. In 1607 it was purchased by Pietro Lardi, a nobleman of Ferrara sent to Fanano by the Este family as Commissar; the building is still owned by the Lardi family. The adjoining Clock Tower, which once guarded the gateway to the castle, was raised in 1609 to create space for the mechanism of the clock with bell, the work of a skilled local craftsman. The Tower is still owned by the Municipality and was completely restored during 2005.
Standing at the beginning of Via Sabbatini, it was built in 1340 as the headquarters of the Infantry Corps, later served as a gendarmerie with prison, and then became a private residence. In 1433 it housed Cosimo de’ Medici during his exile from Florence, and in 1439 it gave accommodation to Pope Eugene IV on his return from the Council of Ferrara. In the XVI Century the facade was decorated in Tuscan style, with the fine main doorway. In 1607 it was purchased by Pietro Lardi, a nobleman of Ferrara sent to Fanano by the Este family as Commissar; the building is still owned by the Lardi family. The adjoining Clock Tower, which once guarded the gateway to the castle, was raised in 1609 to create space for the mechanism of the clock with bell, the work of a skilled local craftsman. The Tower is still owned by the Municipality and was completely restored during 2005.
Palazzo Monari
Dating from 1510, this is a fine example of the typical mode of construction of the homes of the wealthy in the XVI Century, a period when Fanano achieved considerable economic prosperity due to the profitable trade with Florence and Tuscany. The facade is in plain masonry in the local stone, in marked contrast with the sanded stone of the frames around the windows, where the characteristics of Fanano’s XIV Century architecture can be seen. On the ground floor, the rectangular facade contains the main doorway with the typical radiating shell forms above a cornice supported by the usual sandstone brackets.
Dating from 1510, this is a fine example of the typical mode of construction of the homes of the wealthy in the XVI Century, a period when Fanano achieved considerable economic prosperity due to the profitable trade with Florence and Tuscany. The facade is in plain masonry in the local stone, in marked contrast with the sanded stone of the frames around the windows, where the characteristics of Fanano’s XIV Century architecture can be seen. On the ground floor, the rectangular facade contains the main doorway with the typical radiating shell forms above a cornice supported by the usual sandstone brackets.
Palazzo Coppi
Facing Palazzo Monari across the narrow Via Pedrocchi, this building, dating from the XVII Century, is the finest expression of residential architecture of the time in Fanano. It has a wealth of details, especially in the cornices of the two orders of windows, which clearly reflect the influence of Tuscan architecture. The brackets which support the cornices create a striking contrast of light and shade on the masonry facade, also in local stone. The main doorway has an archway with pointed keystone indicating the period of construction.
Facing Palazzo Monari across the narrow Via Pedrocchi, this building, dating from the XVII Century, is the finest expression of residential architecture of the time in Fanano. It has a wealth of details, especially in the cornices of the two orders of windows, which clearly reflect the influence of Tuscan architecture. The brackets which support the cornices create a striking contrast of light and shade on the masonry facade, also in local stone. The main doorway has an archway with pointed keystone indicating the period of construction.
Palazzo Severi
An impressive aristocratic home dating from the XVII Century, in the part of Fanano known as Badiola. Once again, the building’s fine decorations reflect the historic and commercial importance Fanano had achieved in the previous centuries. Especially on the ground floor, the building’s architectural structure is strictly defensive, similar to the form of early XV Century palazzos. XVIII Century details appear in the turret in the centre of the facade, where shell niches top pairs of windows. One particularly interesting feature is a stone in the masonry of the facade which has not been covered in plaster, carrying an interesting carving of two mazes of different size.
An impressive aristocratic home dating from the XVII Century, in the part of Fanano known as Badiola. Once again, the building’s fine decorations reflect the historic and commercial importance Fanano had achieved in the previous centuries. Especially on the ground floor, the building’s architectural structure is strictly defensive, similar to the form of early XV Century palazzos. XVIII Century details appear in the turret in the centre of the facade, where shell niches top pairs of windows. One particularly interesting feature is a stone in the masonry of the facade which has not been covered in plaster, carrying an interesting carving of two mazes of different size.
Palazzo Ottonelli Rospigliosi
The building dates from the XVII Century and was the home of the Ottonelli family. The last heir, Countess Isabella, married an eminent member of the rich, powerful Rospigliosi family from Pistoia. The building is now an old people’s home. Perfectly preserved although recently restored, the palazzo has a large doorway at street level with a stone cornice with a row of shaped corbels aligned on a moulded base strip.
The building dates from the XVII Century and was the home of the Ottonelli family. The last heir, Countess Isabella, married an eminent member of the rich, powerful Rospigliosi family from Pistoia. The building is now an old people’s home. Perfectly preserved although recently restored, the palazzo has a large doorway at street level with a stone cornice with a row of shaped corbels aligned on a moulded base strip.
Palazzo di Cimalotta
This building has the layout of an aristocratic medieval residence built around a courtyard, and the layers of its development can be traced back to its original identity as a fort, with the remains of a tower and defensive walls. In architectural terms, it is one of the finest residential complexes in the Frignano area, and it is also one of the few buildings to have survived the 1509 landslide intact. Inside, the furnishings of the cell used by Saint Bernardino of Siena, and the pulpit on which he preached, when guest of the Monastery of S. Francesco at Fanano in the early XV Century are preserved. The room where the Saint slept was later transformed into a chapel dedicated to him. The Perfetti family who own the building also have a large house with courtyard in the Le Ville di Sotto area of Fanano, with a fine doorway in the traditional arched style of the XVIII Century. Beside the house there is a chapel, standing in the large grounds which feature rare trees such as giant sequoia and thuya, only surpassed by those planted in the Ducal Park at Pavullo.
This building has the layout of an aristocratic medieval residence built around a courtyard, and the layers of its development can be traced back to its original identity as a fort, with the remains of a tower and defensive walls. In architectural terms, it is one of the finest residential complexes in the Frignano area, and it is also one of the few buildings to have survived the 1509 landslide intact. Inside, the furnishings of the cell used by Saint Bernardino of Siena, and the pulpit on which he preached, when guest of the Monastery of S. Francesco at Fanano in the early XV Century are preserved. The room where the Saint slept was later transformed into a chapel dedicated to him. The Perfetti family who own the building also have a large house with courtyard in the Le Ville di Sotto area of Fanano, with a fine doorway in the traditional arched style of the XVIII Century. Beside the house there is a chapel, standing in the large grounds which feature rare trees such as giant sequoia and thuya, only surpassed by those planted in the Ducal Park at Pavullo.
Piazza Ottonelli (or Piazza del Poggiolo)
This was once the drill yard of the Castle of Fanano. According to tradition it was once a sacred place, the site of a “ fanum” (sacred enclosure or temple) of Latin origin. Two towers overlook the square, the taller the Torre del Poggiolo (square in shape, it stands on the rise or “poggiolo” after which the area is named) and the other the ancient Balestri (“crossbow”) Tower, where fires used to be lit by night to guide wayfarers and travellers along the Ospitale valley towards Pistoia and Rome. Presumed to have been built around 1570, it has withstood both time and war, and the damage it incurred during the 1741 earthquake is still visible. The other tower was initially fitted (in the XV Century) with the town’s first bell, which was moved to today’s clock tower in 1609. Fanano’s strong castle, mentioned in the XIII Century, was put to the torch several times, and was razed to the ground, together with the “Baraccane walls, on the order of Duke Alfonso I of Ferrara in 1532.
This was once the drill yard of the Castle of Fanano. According to tradition it was once a sacred place, the site of a “ fanum” (sacred enclosure or temple) of Latin origin. Two towers overlook the square, the taller the Torre del Poggiolo (square in shape, it stands on the rise or “poggiolo” after which the area is named) and the other the ancient Balestri (“crossbow”) Tower, where fires used to be lit by night to guide wayfarers and travellers along the Ospitale valley towards Pistoia and Rome. Presumed to have been built around 1570, it has withstood both time and war, and the damage it incurred during the 1741 earthquake is still visible. The other tower was initially fitted (in the XV Century) with the town’s first bell, which was moved to today’s clock tower in 1609. Fanano’s strong castle, mentioned in the XIII Century, was put to the torch several times, and was razed to the ground, together with the “Baraccane walls, on the order of Duke Alfonso I of Ferrara in 1532.
I Borghi
A medieval quarter of the town, standing behind Palazzo Lardi, which has survived to the present day. Access is along the downhill passage leading through the “voltone”, two archways on the right of the Clock Tower, once the entrance to the town from the south. The small central square is paved with sandstone slabs, while the buildings have interesting architectural features and are roofed with “piagne” (local stone tiles).
A medieval quarter of the town, standing behind Palazzo Lardi, which has survived to the present day. Access is along the downhill passage leading through the “voltone”, two archways on the right of the Clock Tower, once the entrance to the town from the south. The small central square is paved with sandstone slabs, while the buildings have interesting architectural features and are roofed with “piagne” (local stone tiles).
The “Piazza” Fountain
In the centre of the square named after Odoardo Corsini, the fountain was completed on 8th June 1913, the date marked on the plaque fixed to one of the four faces from which the water flows.
In the centre of the square named after Odoardo Corsini, the fountain was completed on 8th June 1913, the date marked on the plaque fixed to one of the four faces from which the water flows.