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Church of Santa Maria della Spina

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Santa Maria della Spina

In a city of remarkable architecture, this Gothic church on the River Arno is considered to be one of Pisa’s most impressive structures despite its small size.

What Santa Maria della Spina lacks in size it surely makes up in beauty: the white, ornate facade is considered one of the most impressive in all of Europe. The church occupies a perch overlooking the river and attracts visitors for its 13th-century Gothic architecture.

Walk along the River Arno to reach the church. By day the white marble is almost luminescent beneath the warm Tuscan sun, while at night floodlights make it stand out in a different way. Visit on a evening when the river is calm to take photos of the church’s reflection on the water’s unbroken surface.

While many consider this tiny church to be waterfront, prior to 1871 it was even closer to the River Arno. As the water in the river rose it was decided that Santa Maria della Spina was in danger of being damaged and was moved to higher ground.

Spend some time inspecting the exquisite detail of the church’s exterior. On its roof sits a series of tabernacles, each containing a statue. The church’s west-facing front features three gables with stunning circular cutouts. Look for the statue of the Virgin and Child by the Pisan sculptor, Giovanni di Balduccio, which adorns the space between the gables.

Enter through the heavy wooden door to see the light flood through the rose windows, forming beautiful patterns on the floor. A tabernacle that is said to once have held a thorn from Jesus’ “crown” is located on the left wall of the nave. While the inside is much more reserved than the exterior, the breathtaking sculpture, Madonna of the Rose, set in its center is widely considered a masterpiece of its era.

The Santa Maria della Spina is located just outside Pisa’s historic center and can be reached on foot from Pisa’s Leaning Tower. A bus services the area and Pisa’s central train station is just a short walk away. The church has sporadic opening hours, which can be checked at Pisa’s tourist office. Admission is free.

Guide to Exploring around Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Leaning Tower

The jewel in Pisa’s crown is this iconic cylindrical bell tower, which has become world-famous because of its bizarre angle.
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Camposanto

Explore the cloisters of this walled cemetery to discover medieval frescoes, Roman sarcophagi and the final resting place of the famous mathematician Fibonnaci.
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Cathedral of Volterra (Duomo)

Praised for its magnificent interior artworks and colorful chapel, this church is worth a stop if you find yourself in the town of Volterra.

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Knight's Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri)

The former political center of medieval Pisa is lined with many of the city’s most significant buildings. A prestigious university creates a lively atmosphere. 
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Palace of the Putean College (Palazzo del Collegio Puteano)

This building has received traveling students for centuries, although they are now aspiring mathematicians instead of knights.
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Palazzo Blu

Explore this time capsule of classic Pisan life and learn about the achievements of this fascinating town’s most creative sons and daughters.

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Palazzo della Carovana

Home to one of Italy’s finest universities, the former headquarters of Pisa’s order of knights is still the most bustling building on the huge Piazza dei Cavalieri.
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Pisa Baptistry

Climb to the second floor of this beautiful monument for views across the Duomo or to experience its unique acoustics.
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Pisa Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

The extensive collections of the three families that resided in this lavish palace are on display next to artwork by some of Italy’s most famous painters.
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Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri

Discover fascinating relics from battles fought by Pisa’s knights or admire the architecture by Giorgio Vasari at this historic church.
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Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa)

At the heart of Piazza dei Miracoli lies an impressive example of Romanesque architecture, one of the most sacred sites in Italy.
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Piazza dei Miracoli

The Leaning Tower of Pisa makes this walled square the most photographed square in Pisa, but its other grand structures are also worth capturing.
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Map

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