Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

Welcome to the Church of Santa Maria della Spina, one of the most extraordinary examples of Pisan Gothic architecture in Italy. Located on the Lungarno, the scenic embankment of the River Arno, this 'impossibly beautiful' church…

Step closer to the exterior and let your eyes wander over the incredible detail of the facade. The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is famous for its 'marble embroidery,' an extraordinary display of cusps, tympanums, and…

One of the most fascinating stories about this church is not its construction, but its survival. Because it was built on the very edge of the River Arno, the foundations were constantly threatened by soil subsidence and the…

While the exterior is a riot of Gothic detail, the interior of Santa Maria della Spina is relatively simple, focusing the visitor's attention on a few key masterpieces. The single, small hall feels like an intimate sanctuary. …

For centuries, the primary reason for this church's fame was the relic of the Holy Thorn. According to tradition, this thorn was brought to Pisa in 1333, and the church was essentially transformed and renamed to accommodate this…

As you look at Santa Maria della Spina, it is interesting to compare it to the grand buildings of the Piazza dei Miracoli—the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Leaning Tower. While those structures are characterized by their…

Finally, take a moment to look at the surrounding Lungarno. The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is perfectly positioned along this scenic walking route, which follows the curve of the Arno through the heart of Pisa. …

Our exploration of Santa Maria della Spina concludes here, by the waters of the Arno. We have seen a building that is a true 'miracle' of both art and engineering—a tiny Gothic masterpiece that was saved from the river by a…