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Even back in the 14thC, Fabriano's paper mills were
producing a million sheets of paper a year and it was
here that watermarked paper was invented. Its paper is
still used the world over for banknotes and quality art
paper. |
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So
proud is the town of its traditional industry that it has
dedicated an interesting modern museum to it - you'll find the
Museo della Carta in the former monastery of San Domenico to the
south of the town on Largo Fratelli Spacca. You can also buy
Fabriano paper here.
While the industrial sprawl of the suburbs promises little, it
is worth penetrating to the heart of the town to see the
opera-set main Piazza del Comune (above) flanked by the Gothic
Palazzo del Podesta' with swallow-tail battlements. Centre-stage
is a smaller version of Perugia's famous fountain built at the
close of the 13thC.
The town was the birthplace of Gentile da Fabriano, Italy's
greatest master of the late 14thC International Gothic style of
painting. You will have to make do, however, with works by his
followers, best of whom was Allegretto di Nuzio - you can find
his work in the Pinacoteca Comunale in tiny Piazza Umberto I
behind the main square, and in the Duomo next door.
Also in the Duomo are handsome frescoes by Orazio Gentileschi, a
17thC follower of Caravaggio who ended his days as court painter
to King Charles I of England. |