Piazza Santo Spirito

You’re now arriving at Piazza dello Spirito Santo, a quieter square than Piazza del Duomo, but just as interesting. The atmosphere here feels different, more intimate, almost more picturesque, with a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. The square you see today actually comes from the merging of several smaller historic spaces, which explains its slightly irregular shape. On your right stands the Church of Santo Spirito, originally dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Built in the 17th century for the Jesuits, it’s one of the few examples of Baroque architecture in Pistoia. If you have a chance to step inside, you’ll find a richly decorated interior that contrasts with the more restrained exterior. In particular, you can see a high altar designed by Bernini, one of the great masters of the Italian Baroque. In the center of the square stands the statue of Cardinal Niccolò Forteguerri, an important figure for the city and the founder of the Forteguerriana Library, as well as several institutions dedicated to education. The statue, installed in the 19th century, shows him holding out a document, a symbol of his commitment to knowledge and its transmission. Niccolò Forteguerri was one of the most remarkable figures of 15th-century Italy, a cardinal, diplomat, military leader, and major benefactor of his hometown. His life reflects the spirit of the Renaissance, combining religious authority, political influence, military strategy, and support for learning. He certainly earned his statue!