Santa Maria della Spina is a small church in the Italian city of Pisa. The church, erected around 1230 in the Pisan Gothic style, and enlarged after 1325, was originally known as Santa Maria di Pontenovo for the newer bridge that existed nearby, collapsed in the 15th century, and was never rebuilt.
The name of della Spina ("of the thorn") derives from the presence of a thorn, putatively part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ during his Passion and Crucifixion. The relic was brought to this church in 1333. In 1871 the church was dismantled and rebuilt on a higher level due to dangerous infiltration of water from the Arno river. The church was altered in the process, however, and John Ruskin, who visited Pisa in 1872, was outraged about the restoration. The church no longer houses the “thorn”. The “thorn” is now in the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, which is on show inside and can be found on Via Roma.
Oleg Naumov | Oct 29, 2017
Excellent monument of medieval culture and architecture. You have to buy a ticket to get in. Visitors are allowed to take non commercial photo without flash light.
Gong D | Feb 18, 2018
A church on footpath, interesting location.
Rida Koussaille | Dec 30, 2017
historical building. church. Nice place, Small but straightforward to the eyes, for its exterior marble sculptures and for its position near the riverbank. The temple was erected in 1230 by the Gualandi family, originally called Santa Maria di Pontenovo, due to the bridge connecting via Sant'Antonio to Via Santa Maria, collapsed in the fifteenth century. The name Spina derives from the fact that it retained a plug that would have been part of the crown worn by Jesus at his crucifixion and carried here in 1333 but kept from the nineteenth century in the church of Santa Chiara. In 1322 the town council decided to expand its work in 1323 and finished before 1376, probably under the direction of Francis's Wolf.
Zoe Nicoladis | Aug 19, 2017
Very nice from the outside. Cool that's it's just in the middle of the sidewalk. Amazing details, great architecture. Good photo op.
Lorenzo Biagini | Mar 5, 2017
The municipality website advertised a free entrance which actually was not. The church is wonderful outside, but the exposition inside was disappointing. There was not enough information about the church and the exposed artist. This gives the feel of a superficial organization. It was only 2 € but it would have been better to spend them in ice cream.
Bar Pupco | Mar 13, 2018
Just nice and intresting place to go by , you can see the beatiful curves thats made all around , very beatiful and authentic place.
Victor | Apr 5, 2018
Small but beautiful and what a great setting by the river.
Eu Tu | May 2, 2018
Amazing, small but amazing!
Massimiliano Sartor | Jun 17, 2018
Great to see it finally opened . Medieval treasure with a history of vicissitudes. Jewel of finesse
Praveen Perera | Jul 13, 2018
Beautiful small gothic style church in Pisa town next to Arno river.
Adam Scott | Jul 29, 2018
I was amazed that what seemed like a sacred church was actually holding a contemporary art exhibition. And I could rock in with with my kids and my dog... for free! Fantastic place and great views
Paola Scarpini | Aug 18, 2018
An hidden gem 15-min walk from the leaning tower of Pisa. It's worth a stop. It's a fine example of medieval gothic architecture in Italy and it's often forgotten because people stop at the tower and then go back to their car/buses. The church was erected in the 13th century and then enlarged in the 14th century. The name of della Spina ("of the thorn") comes from the presence of a thorn, part of the crown of Christ, that was brought to this church in 1333 (and now is in another church, Santa Chiara). One of the features of this church is the fact that in 1871 it was dismantled and rebuilt on a higher level due to dangerous infiltration of water from the river Arno.
Lucia Grendene | Aug 14, 2018
It was written "open at 15" and after waiting for 30 minutes, we had to leave. We called minimum 5 different numbers and NONE OF THEM answered. The lack of professionality is embarrassing. By an italian upset tourist.
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