A Gothic marble oratory on the Arno, enlarged in the 14th century to house a thorn relic.
The oratory was founded in 1230 by the Pisan merchants and sailors for the safe return of seafarers, and was enlarged in the early 14th century to receive a relic said to be a thorn from Christ's crown, brought to Pisa in 1333. Its façade is covered with pinnacles, tabernacles and statuary in a florid Gothic style, much of it from the workshop of Giovanni Pisano's followers. Because the river threatened the church, it was dismantled and rebuilt on a raised platform in 1871. It is now used for exhibitions and is one of the most photographed views along the Lungarno.
| Admission | Exterior free; interior ticket varies |
|---|---|
| Hours | Interior hours vary by season and exhibitions; check turismo.pisa.it |
| Address | Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy |
Why it matters
The finest Gothic building in Pisa and a symbol of the city's maritime piety.
Site facts
- Built
- 1230; enlarged c. 1323-1330
- Architect
- Lupo di Francesco (attributed); sculpture by the school of Giovanni Pisano
- Style
- Gothic
Location
Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7154, 10.3965 View on map
Highlights
- Marble pinnacles and tabernacles
- Riverside setting
- Relic of the Holy Thorn
Tips for visiting
- Best view is from the opposite bank
Accessibility
Entrance has steps; the embankment is flat.
Frequently asked questions
Why was it moved?
The building was rebuilt on a raised base in 1871 to protect it from Arno flooding.