Travels in Tuscany--Pistoia (Part 2 of 2)

The perambulation of Pistoia continues.

Ospedale del Ceppo:  The hospital was built in the late 1200's.  In the early 1500's, a Renaissance loggia, or covered porch, was added.  The loggia is decorated with glazed terra cotta medallions and a frieze.

Ospedale del Ceppo

Frieze by Santi Buglioni (1525)

Frieze by Santi Buglioni (1525)

The Annunciation, medallion by Giovanni della Robbia (1525)

The Visitation, medallion by Giovanni della Robbia (1525)

San Bartolomeo in Pantano:  The church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle and was completed in 1159.  The church wears its age well, following a restoration in the 1950's.

The carved stone pulpit

Chiesa di S.Ignazio:

Santuario Basilica Madonna dell'Umilta:

The main altar

On the main altar, the venerated fresco Madonna of Humility (about 1370)

A miracle is attributed to the fresco.  In 1490, witnesses say blood dripped from the Madonna's forehead signifying the Madonna's suffering due to civil strife in Pistoia.  Following the miracle, the basilica was built and dedicated to the Madonna of Humility.

The Last Supper in lace, covering a side altar

Lunch in Pistoia:  We dined at Café du Globe, a charming café in the old world style.  We were surprised with a complimentary amuse-bouche.  Lunch was delicious. 

Amuse-bouche

After lunch, we strolled through the narrow winding streets of the town.  Along the way, we discovered a 19th century galleria. 

Street Art in Pistoia:  Wherever we travel now, we keep an eye out for street art.  While in Pistoia, we noticed the painting shown below. We have seen many similar paintings in Florence and think the artist might be Florentine street artist Jamesboy. 

Thanks for joining our visit to Pistoia.