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Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina: A Gothic Jewel on the Arno

Discover Pisa's Gothic jewel, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, a historic church on the Arno River with intricate architecture and a fascinating past.

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The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is a small, ornate Gothic church located on the Arno River in Pisa. Originally built in 1230, it housed a relic believed to be a thorn from Christ's crown. Dismantled and rebuilt in the 19th century to protect it from flooding, it remains a stunning example of Pisan Gothic architecture.

A brief summary to Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

  • Saturday 10 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours with the Pisa Tourist Information Office before visiting, as they can vary.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate details of the exterior, including the statues and sculptures.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Arno River.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is located on Lungarno Gambacorti, easily accessible by foot from Pisa's city center. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, walk southeast along Via Santa Maria, then turn right onto Lungarno Mediceo. Continue along the river, and you'll find the church on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus stop to Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is Gambacorti 3, serviced by bus line 5. From Pisa Centrale train station, take bus line 5 towards the city center. The ride is short, and tickets can be purchased at the train station's newsstand for approximately €1-€3. Get off at Gambacorti 3, the church is a few meters away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Pisa. From Pisa Centrale train station, a taxi ride to Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina takes about 5 minutes. Taxi fares in Pisa start at €3.25, with a per-kilometer charge of €1.10. The minimum fare is €6.45. Expect to pay around €8-€10 for the trip.

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Discover more about Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, a gem of Pisan Gothic architecture, graces the banks of the Arno River in Pisa. Originally known as Santa Maria di Pontenovo, it was constructed around 1230 by the Gualandi family. The church gained its current name, meaning "of the thorn," in 1333 when it became the shrine for a relic believed to be a thorn from Christ's crown. This relic was later moved to the Church of Santa Chiara. The church's exterior is characterized by its intricate sculptural decorations made of white Carrara marble. The west front features two doorways and three gables, each adorned with a small rose window. The south side boasts a series of arches and niches housing figures of Christ and the Apostles. Inside, the church has a simple, one-nave interior with statues by Andrea and Nino Pisano. Due to the risk of flooding from the Arno, the church was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground between 1871 and 1875. While the reconstruction preserved the church's exquisite details, it also resulted in some alterations to the original structure. Today, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina hosts contemporary art exhibitions and remains a captivating landmark in Pisa.

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