Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
- Address: Lugarno Gambacorti, Pisa
- Hours: Closed Mondays, check website for seasonal hours.
- Admission: €1.50
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Holy Place,
Religious Experience,
Chapel,
Church / Cathedral
The exquisite church of Santa Maria della Spina is one of the prettiest fairy-tale churches in the world.
Designed in classic Pisan Gothic style, the tiny striped marble church was built to house a thorn from the Crown of Thorns.
The building dates back to 1230, with Gothic enlargements in the 1350s. Originally, the building sat much closer to the river, and it was moved to its present site on the riverside walkway in 1871.
The interior is less ornate than the fanciful exterior, with many statues and details being lost during the relocation. However, a magnificent Madonna and Child remains, sculpted by Andrea and Nino Pisano in the mid-14th century.
Latest Reviews
Review by tamara.gazzard, October 2012
Doing what: Pisa Segway Tour
The Pisa segway tour was so much fun. Our guide, Giuseppe, was very friendly and had a great sense of humour. He took us to see a lot of Pisa that we wouldn't have otherwise seen. The segways were great fun, so easy to use.
Review by Tomi K, October 2012
Doing what: Pisa City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Very informative ! A constant stream of
Information,music and sound effects!
Entertaining and lots of history. The crew
on board were very helpful.
Review by TANIA B, Australia, September 2012
Doing what: Pisa City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Exhilarating - especially the leaning tower, I could have spent all day there hopping on/off.
Practical Info
The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is built into the promenade wall lining the River Arno. On the opposite side of the river to the Piazza dei Miracoli, it is around 800 m (half a mile) from the station.
Take a walk here from the station, or catch a bus.
