San Giovanni Fuorcivitas Pistoia
A 'luogo del cuore' for locals, this church boasts iconic striped Romanesque architecture and houses Renaissance art masterpieces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Often open when others are closed
San Giovanni Fuorcivitas Pistoia
Best Time
Often open when others are closed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 'luogo del cuore' for locals, this church boasts iconic striped Romanesque architecture and houses Renaissance art masterpieces.
"This place is truly a hidden gem, more like a museum than just a place of worship."
🎯 Check Opening Hours Carefully
This church can be unexpectedly closed. Verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment . :clock1:
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest fee supports upkeep and volunteers. It's a small price for a museum-like experience . :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Zebrated Facade
Exterior
The unmistakable white and green stripes of Tuscan Romanesque architecture make this church instantly recognizable.
Luca della Robbia's 'Visitation'
Interior
A breathtaking glazed terracotta masterpiece depicting Mary and Elizabeth, a true highlight of Renaissance art.
Renaissance Pulpit and Basin
Interior
Admire the intricate details of the pulpit and the artistic basin, showcasing the church's rich artistic heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for San Giovanni Fuorcivitas
Embrace the Artistry Within
Inside, you'll find masterpieces like Luca della Robbia's 'Visitation'. A small entrance fee supports its upkeep, making it a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable experience.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours Carefully
This church can be unexpectedly closed. Verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest fee supports upkeep and volunteers. It's a small price for a museum-like experience. :moneybag:
🖼️ Art History Encyclopedia
Don't just admire the facade; the interior holds incredible art, including Della Robbia works.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers offer detailed explanations of the artwork, enriching your visit. :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours Carefully
This church can be unexpectedly closed. Verify hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest fee supports upkeep and volunteers. It's a small price for a museum-like experience. :moneybag:
🖼️ Art History Encyclopedia
Don't just admire the facade; the interior holds incredible art, including Della Robbia works.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers offer detailed explanations of the artwork, enriching your visit. :speech_balloon:
📸 Capture the Stripes
The unique black and white striped exterior is a photographer's dream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are delighted by San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, often discovering it by chance and finding it a 'wonderful discovery' and a 'hidden gem.' The church is praised for its museum-like quality, housing significant artworks like the Della Robbia 'Visitation' and a beautiful pulpit. The dedication of volunteers who provide detailed explanations and maintain the site is frequently highlighted, making the small entrance fee feel like a valuable contribution to preserving this artistic treasure.
"What a Wonderful Discovery!
I stumbled upon this church by chance, as it was the only one still open late in the afternoon—and what luck! This place is truly a hidden gem, more like a museum than just a place of worship.
Sadly, the church became inactive after the passing of its priest and remained closed for two years. Thankfully, a friend of the late priest made the effort to reopen it, allowing visitors like me to appreciate its inner beauty (e.g., pulpit, basin, the cross, della Robbia statute of Maria and Elisabeth). The volunteers who run it now do so with such dedication, asking only a small entrance fee to cover basic costs.
I was especially grateful for the detailed explanations of the artwork. Missing the other churches in Pistoia didn’t matter at all—this one, with its treasures and the kindness of those who maintain it, more than made up for it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion! A truly unforgettable visit."
Mona Wie
"They were closed when I got there on a Wednesday. Posting the latest opening hours as of June 2025 so you don't make the mistake of going Wednesday afternoon as I did."
Katherine Meng
"Very beautiful church on the outside. Loved it!"
Nélia Coutinho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is located in the heart of Pistoia, making it easily accessible on foot from most central points. If arriving by car, be aware that Pistoia has a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), so it's best to park in designated public parking areas outside the historic center and walk. The nearest major transport hub is Pistoia train station, from which it's a pleasant walk through the city streets.
Yes, San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is centrally located on Via Cavour, a main street in Pistoia. It's within easy walking distance of Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery, and other key historical sites, making it a convenient stop on your city exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to visit San Giovanni Fuorcivitas. This fee helps support the volunteers who maintain the church and its treasures. It's a small price for what is described as a museum-like experience.
Opening hours can be inconsistent and vary. It's crucial to check them before your visit, as some visitors have reported finding it closed unexpectedly, even on weekdays. The church was closed for two years previously, so confirming current hours is essential.
Unfortunately, one visitor reported that the church was closed on a Wednesday afternoon in June 2025. It's best to confirm opening hours for any specific day you plan to visit, as they may not be standard.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, photography is generally permitted in churches for personal use, provided it doesn't disrupt other visitors or services. Be mindful of any signage or requests from staff. The exterior, with its unique stripes, is a popular subject for photos.
The iconic white and green striped facade is a must-capture.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
San Giovanni Fuorcivitas is considered a 'luogo del cuore' (place of the heart) by locals.
Inside, you can admire Luca della Robbia's 'Visitation,' a beautiful pulpit, an artistic basin, and a statue of Maria and Elisabeth. It's considered an 'encyclopedia of art history'.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the dedicated volunteers often provide detailed explanations of the artwork and history, greatly enhancing the visitor experience. Some local guides also highlight it as a must-see.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Inside, the 'Visitation' sculpture by Luca della Robbia can spark imagination, and the detailed explanations from volunteers 🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
boasting significant works like Luca della Robbia's 'Visitation' and a notable Renaissance pulpit. provides a fascinating historical context. Engaging with the knowledgeable volunteers 📸 Photographers
+1 Inside, the interplay of light and shadow on the della Robbia sculptures and architectural details like the pulpit and basin provide ample opportunities for capturing stunning shots. Consider visiting during different times of day to experiment with light on the exterior.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: The Striped Facade
+1 This striking pattern is a hallmark of the region's architectural style and sets the church apart from many others. The visual impact of these bold stripes is often the first thing that captivates visitors, drawing them in to explore the treasures within.The church's exterior is not just visually appealing; it's a testament to the historical and artistic context of Pistoia. The architectural style speaks to a rich past, and the enduring beauty of the facade has made it a beloved symbol for the city's residents, referred to as a 'luogo del cuore'.
It's a prime example of how historical buildings can become deeply ingrained in a community's identity.Artistic Treasures Within
The most celebrated piece is undoubtedly Luca della Robbia's 'Visitation', a stunning glazed terracotta sculpture that draws admiration for its detail and emotional depth.Beyond the 'Visitation,' the church houses other notable artistic elements. The Renaissance pulpit and an artistic basin are also frequently mentioned as points of interest.
Community and Preservation Efforts
Its preservation is a community effort, highlighted by its participation in campaigns like FAI's 'I luoghi del cuore' (The Places of the Heart). This initiative aims to protect and restore Italy's most cherished cultural sites, underscoring the importance of this church to the local heritage.The church's recent history includes a period of closure after the passing of its priest, but dedicated individuals, including friends of the late priest, have worked to reopen it and maintain its treasures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit