Pistoia - San Giovanni Fuorcivitas

San Giovanni Fuorcivitas was built outside the sity walls (= Fuorcivitas) during Lombard times. In 1119 Bishop Hildebrand of Pistoia notes down, that the church is "nearly in ruins", so soon after the building process started for the church seen here. The works were finally completed in 1344, when the church got enlarged by two bays.

It may be, that Gruamonte was the first architect here. He may have created the green/white pattern of the wall, typical of other buildings in Pistoia.

The interior is a very large hall and a rectangular apse.

To take photographs is - unfortunately - strictly forbidden. It only took the guard two minutes to give me a severe warning and tell me, that he would lock the doors within a couple of minutes.

So the very few photos I could take - are very blurry.

The pulpit is a masterpiece created by Guglielmo Agnelli (aka "Fra Guglielmo") around 1270. Here is a detail.

Below "Annunciation" and "Visitation" is a complex Nativity scene. In the center Mary and and infant Jesus, the Magi are approaching from the left, shepherds have gathered to the right. Joseph sits between the sheep. On the left the midwives prepare the "First Bath".