A small Gothic church of white marble on the Arno embankment, named after a relic of Christ's crown of thorns.
Santa Maria della Spina began in 1230 as a small oratory built beside the Arno for seafarers. It was enlarged between about 1323 and 1330 in the Gothic style, and the richly carved marble spires, pinnacles and tabernacles that give it a jewel-box appearance were added in that period, many by the school of Giovanni Pisano. The name refers to a thorn said to be from Christ's crown, brought to Pisa and kept here. Because the river repeatedly threatened the building, it was taken apart and rebuilt on a raised base in 1871. Today it is usually used for exhibitions, and the exterior sculpture can be admired freely from the embankment.
| Admission | Adult Exterior free; interior ticket price varies (typically a few euros) · Child Reduced or free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Visiting hours vary by season and exhibition programme; the exterior is always visible. Check turismo.pisa.it for the current times |
| Typical visit | 20-30 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning or sunset for views along the river |
| Getting there | 10-minute walk from Piazza dei Cavalieri along the river; 20 minutes on foot from Pisa Centrale |
| Address | Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, architecture lovers, romantic walks
Location
Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7154, 10.3965 View on map
Highlights
- Gothic marble pinnacles and tabernacles
- Riverside setting on the Lungarno Gambacorti
- Relic of the Holy Thorn
- Rebuilt on a raised platform in 1871
Tips for visiting
- The best view of the exterior is from the opposite embankment or from Ponte Solferino
- Interior opening depends on exhibitions, so check before going
When to visit
Early morning or golden hour from the opposite bank.
Accessibility
The embankment is level but the interior has a raised entrance with steps. Check with the tourist office for current arrangements.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called della Spina?
It was named for a thorn said to come from Christ's crown of thorns, kept in the church.