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Chiesa di San Sisto: A Testament to Pisa's Medieval History

Explore Pisa's past at this Romanesque church, celebrating a naval victory and showcasing medieval artistry.

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The Chiesa di San Sisto, or Church of San Sisto, is a charming Pisan-Romanesque church dating back to 1087. Built to celebrate Pisa's naval victory over the Saracens, it stands as a reminder of the city's medieval power and its complex relationship with the Islamic world.

A brief summary to Chiesa di San Sisto

  • Piazza Francesco Buonamici, 1, Pisa, Province of Pisa, 56126, IT

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the interior details, as the church can be dimly lit.
  • Take a moment to view the exterior ceramic basins, which are copies of the originals displayed at the National Museum of San Matteo.
  • Note the Arabic inscription inside, a testament to Pisa's historical ties with the Islamic world.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza dei Miracoli, walk southeast along Via Cardinal Pietro Maffi, then turn right onto Via Francesco Crispi. Continue onto Piazza Francesco Buonamici. The church will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pisa Centrale Station, take the LAM Rossa bus towards Piazza dei Miracoli. Get off at the Piazza Arcivescovado stop, a short walk from the Leaning Tower. From there, walk southeast along Via Cardinal Pietro Maffi, then turn right onto Via Francesco Crispi. Continue onto Piazza Francesco Buonamici. The church will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 70 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Pisa Airport, a taxi ride to Chiesa di San Sisto takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The estimated fare is between €15-€25, but ensure the meter is running or agree on a fixed price beforehand.

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Discover more about Chiesa di San Sisto

The Chiesa di San Sisto, nestled on Piazza Francesco Buonamici, is a significant landmark reflecting Pisa's rich history and architectural heritage. Founded in 1087, the church commemorates the Pisan Republic's victory over the Saracens at Al Mahdiya. Its dedication to San Sisto (Pope Sixtus II) honors the former patron saint of Pisa. The church's architecture exemplifies the Pisan-Romanesque style, characterized by its stone construction, blind arches, and the integration of ceramic basins. These ceramic basins, many of Islamic origin, highlight the multicultural influences present in Pisa during its period of maritime expansion in the 11th and 12th centuries. While the originals are now housed in the National Museum of San Matteo, copies adorn the church's exterior. The façade is divided into three sections by pilaster strips, featuring a mullioned window and arches that extend around the building. The simple interior, divided into three naves by columns with Roman capitals, evokes a sense of medieval sobriety. Throughout its history, the Chiesa di San Sisto played a vital role in Pisan civic life. It served as a venue for important notary acts of the Pisan commune. Today, the church displays flags of Pisa's historic districts and an 11th-century Arabic inscription, further underscoring its historical importance. The main altar, sculpted in 1730 by Andrea Vaccà, and a 14th-century wooden crucifix modeled after the Volto Santo of Lucca, are notable interior features.

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