Pisa, Lucca and Pistoia

"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 was erected mid 12th century, commissioned by Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade, divided into five compartments with arches, is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style. The interior had been modified and altered a couple of times over the centuries, but a renovation undertaken in the 1950s broight back the Romanesque church. The pulpit got restaurated as well. It is less "sophisticated" than Giovanni Pisani´s pulpit in Sant'Andrea. Compared to Pisani Guido da Como, the artist who signed this work of art, is nearly "minimalistic".

"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 was erected mid 12th century, commissioned by Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade, divided into five compartments with arches, is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style. The interior had been modified and altered a couple of times over the centuries, but a renovation undertaken in the 1950s broight back the Romanesque church. The pulpit, created (and signed) by Guido da Como (aka Guido Bigarelli) got restaurated as well. This is the square pulpit´s front panel. The signature is on the left - on the right AD MCCL = 1250.

"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 was erected mid 12th century, commissioned by Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade, divided into five compartments with arches, is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style. The interior had been modified and altered a couple of times over the centuries, but a renovation undertaken in the 1950s broight back the Romanesque church. The pulpit, created by Guido da Como (aka Guido Bigarelli) got restaurated as well. Below the left scene (Emaus?) on the bottom is the artist´s signature "Sculptor laudatur qui doctus in arte probatur Guido de Como.." "Praised sculptor proven and skilled in the art Guido de Como .." He obviously was very self confident, just as his older collegue Giovanni Pisani.

"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 was erected mid 12th century, commissioned by Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade, divided into five compartments with arches, is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style. The interior had been modified and altered a couple of times over the centuries, but a renovation undertaken in the 1950s broight back the Romanesque church. The pulpit, created by Guido da Como (aka Guido Bigarelli) in 1250, got restaurated as well. Here are two panels of the pulpit. T. right - Annunciation T. left - Nativity / First Bath B. right - Adoration of the Magi B. left - Presentation at the Temple

"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 was erected mid 12th century, commissioned by Abbot Buono in 1159. The facade, divided into five compartments with arches, is characteristic for the Pistoiese Romanesque style. The interior had been modified and altered a couple of times over the centuries, but a renovation undertaken in the 1950s broight back the Romanesque church. The pulpit, created by Guido da Como (aka Guido Bigarelli) got restaurated as well. One if the pulpit´s panels depicts the Adoration of the Magi. Here are the Magi in detail.

The Piazza del Duomo is lined by medieval buildings. The "Palazzo Pretorio" is to the right, next to the impressive campanile, stands the "Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte". The construction of the octagonal baptistery started in 1303. The building, completed in 1361, is 40 metres high. The exterior is entirely covered with white and green marble. Once here was a lombard church, named "Santa Maria in Corte". It got demolished and replaced by the baptistery, leaving an addition to the name of the "Battistero di San Giovanni in Corte".

The Pistoia Cathedral (aka "Cattedrale di San Zeno") is located just opposite the baptistery just seen. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, but in 1108 it was severly damaged by a fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1145 an altar was dedicated here to Saint James the Great (aka St. Jaques) by Bishop Saint Atto, who had brought a relic to Pistoia from Santiago de Compostella. In 1202 another fire damaged the cathedral again. When further damage was caused by an earthquake in 1298 the facade probably existed already, but between 1379 and 1440 the facade was reconstructed with the addition of three tiers of striped marble loggias and a portico. Since then the cathedral is topped by the sculptures of Saint Zeno and Saint Jacopo. They are the patron saints of Pistoia.

The Pistoia Cathedral (aka "Cattedrale di San Zeno") is located just opposite the octagonal baptistery. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, but in 1108 it was severly damaged by a fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1145 an altar was dedicated here to Saint James the Great (aka St. Jaques) by Bishop Saint Atto, who had brought a relic to Pistoia from Santiago de Compostella. In 1202 another fire damaged the cathedral again. In 1274-1275 the aisles were covered with vaults, but further damage was caused by an earthquake in 1298. From 1598 on the medieval choir was replaced by a Baroque tribune surmounted by a dome. Later the main aisle was covered by new cross vaults. During a long and extensive restoration in the 20th century a lot of the Baroque additions were removed - and so the Romanesque church, that it once had been, was brought back.

The Pistoia Cathedral (aka "Cattedrale di San Zeno") is located just opposite the octagonal baptistery. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, but in 1108 it was severly damaged by a fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1145 an altar was dedicated here to Saint James the Great (aka St. Jaques) by Bishop Saint Atto, who had brought a relic to Pistoia from Santiago de Compostella. In 1202 another fire damaged the cathedral again. In 1274-1275 the aisles were covered with vaults, but further damage was caused by an earthquake in 1298. From 1598 on the medieval choir was replaced by a Baroque tribune surmounted by a dome. Later the main aisle was covered by new cross vaults. During a long and extensive restoration in the 20th century a lot of the Baroque additions were removed - and so the Romanesque church, that it once had been, was brought back. Under the choir is the crypt.

The Pistoia Cathedral (aka "Cattedrale di San Zeno") is located just opposite the octagonal baptistery. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, but in 1108 it was severly damaged by a fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1145 an altar was dedicated here to Saint James the Great (aka St. Jaques) by Bishop Saint Atto, who had brought a relic to Pistoia from Santiago de Compostella. In 1202 another fire damaged the cathedral again. In 1274-1275 the aisles were covered with vaults, but further damage was caused by an earthquake in 1298. In 1939 during the restoration these two reliefs were discovered. They had been used (sculpted side down) as paving tiles. Since then many theories were discussed about the origine. Most likely they have been parts of a medieval pulpit. Some scholars claimed already before these reliefs were discovered, that a pulpit created by Guido da Como 1199, existed in the cathedral upto the 15th century. Then it vanished without a trace... More recently the reliefs were attributed to the workshops of Guglielmo (Pisa Cathedral) or his follower Gruamons (with Adeodatus and Enrigus) who worked at nearby Sant'Andrea. Here is the "Visitation" (Luke 1:39–56) Mary visits Elisabeth and her husband Zacharias. The inscription reads: "INFANS EXULTAT STERILEM DVM VIRGO SALVTAT" (~ The child exultant, when Mary greets the infertil) Elisabeth and Zacharias were childless (and old) - then an angel told Zacharias Luke 1:13–15 "But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born." The son later became known under the name "John the Baptist".

The Pistoia Cathedral (aka "Cattedrale di San Zeno") is located just opposite the octagonal baptistery. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century, but in 1108 it was severly damaged by a fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1145 an altar was dedicated here to Saint James the Great (aka St. Jaques) by Bishop Saint Atto, who had brought a relic to Pistoia from Santiago de Compostella. In 1202 another fire damaged the cathedral again. In 1274-1275 the aisles were covered with vaults, but further damage was caused by an earthquake in 1298. In 1939 during the restoration two reliefs were discovered. They had been used (sculpted side down) as paving tiles. Since then many theories were discussed about the origine. Most likely they have been parts of a medieval pulpit. Some scholars claimed already before these reliefs were discovered, that a pulpit created by Guido da Como 1199, existed in the cathedral upto the 15th century. Then it vanished without a trace... More recently the reliefs were attributed to the workshops of Guglielmo (Pisa Cathedral) or his follower Gruamons (with Adeodatus and Enrigus) who worked at nearby Sant'Andrea. Here is the "Last Supper" and the "Betrayal of Jesus" The top line of the inscription over the Last Supper is not visible from here (sorry). The "complete inscription reads "CENANS DISCIPULIS XRISTVS DAT VERBA SALVA(N)S / CENA NOVA TRIBVIT LEGE(M) UETERE(M) QVOQ(UE) FINIT" ~ During the Supper Christ says to the Disciples redemptive words / The Last Supper he acknowledges the old law and puts them to an end. The inscription over the "Betrayal of Jesus" reads "FUSTIB(US) ET GLADIIS IUDA XR(ISTU)M PRENDERE QV(A)ERIT" ~ With sticks and swords Judas tries to capture Jesus

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 and probably inspired by the buildings in Pisa. There is an inscription "GRUAMONS MAGISTER BONUS FEC(IT) HOC OPUS" ~ Gruamons the good master created this work

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 and probably inspired by the buildings in Pisa. I knew from the city map, that there was a cloister behind the church, but I could not find any entry. Finally a door stood open and I could peep into the former cloister. Obviously it is now privately used.

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 and probably inspired by the buildings in Pisa. A young couple waiting to meet friends in front of San Giovanni´s main portal.

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 and probably inspired by the buildings in Pisa. He surely created the lintel and the archivolt seen here. The "Last Supper" Compared to the lintel of Sant'Andrea (see previous uploads) depicting the Magi, the style seems very "stiff", like an old fashioned group picture. It may be, that the "swinging" style goes back to Gruamonte´s brother Adeotus, with whom he cooperated at Sant'Andrea.. The carving is similar to that one found in 1939 inside the cathedrale (see previous uplaod). There is even as well Judas on the ground - and above - there is exactly the same (here weathered) inscription. "CENANS DISCIPULIS CHRISTUS DAT VERBA SAL[VANS CENA NO]VA TRIBUIT LEGE VETEREM QUOQUE FINIT" Above is the signature. Follow the white arch stones: GRU AM ONS MAG ISTER BON USFE C(IT)HO COP US

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 to 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. To he left is a ceramic glaze sculpture depicting the "Visitation", by Luca della Robbia from the mid 15th century. The holy water font in the middle is attributed to Giovanni Pisano. The pulpit to the right is a work of Guglielmo Agnelli (aka "Fra Guglielmo"), a disciple of Nicola Pisano.

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.

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".