Pistoia‘s nomination as Italian Capital of Culture for 2017 has led to thoughts that are instantly connected to images in my head.

The church of San Giovanni Forcivitas, Pistoia
Pistoia has quite suddenly and unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight. A beam of light has illuminated the city’s attractions (represented by our two-colored marble churches), and even its citizens who, often hurriedly and distractedly, pass by these monuments from the past as they proceed amidst what makes Pistoia a capital of culture. Not surprisingly, however, like the churches, palaces and artworks, they have been affected by the powerful spotlight of the ministerial nomination and thrown out of the shadows.
Nevertheless, this moment of surprise must give way to a narrative, telling those who do not know this city about its history, resources and positive energy. Going deeper (even looking at the negative around us, turning light into dark and vice versa), finding the right words, following a path that—like a ray of light in a photo—is behind us but, above all, in front of us, to indicate the way forward.