San Giovanni Fuoricivitas, Romanesque church in Pistoia, Italy
San Giovanni Fuoricivitas is a Romanesque church in Pistoia featuring a northern facade with white marble and green serpentine stone from Prato arranged in horizontal bands. The interior holds glazed terracotta figures by Luca della Robbia, a marble holy water font by Giovanni Pisano, and a polyptych by Taddeo Gaddi.
Construction began in the 12th century on a site formerly occupied by a Lombard religious building, positioned outside the original medieval city walls. The structure reflects Romanesque architectural ideals and demonstrates how religious life in Pistoia evolved during this period.
The main entrance portal displays carved marble from 1166 showing the Last Supper, which served as a visual lesson for the local community. The artistry in these stone reliefs reveals how craftsmanship and faith were intertwined in the church's design.
The building is easily accessible in central Pistoia and reachable by public transport from the main areas of the city. Interior access to the artworks is typically limited, so visitors should check opening hours in advance before planning a visit.
The cloister is the only example in Pistoia of a Romanesque structure combining stone and brickwork, with columns topped by capitals carved as lion and ox heads. These unusual decorative elements are rarely seen elsewhere and showcase local medieval craftsmanship.
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