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 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