Religious site
Santa Maria della Spina
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Santa Maria della Spina is a jewel of Gothic architecture, perched on the banks of the Arno River in Pisa. Despite its small size, the church is extravagantly decorated with white marble, tracery, and a profusion of statues, pinnacles, and rose windows. Originally built as a small oratory, it was enlarged in the 14th century to house a relic said to be a thorn from Christ's crown (hence 'della Spina,' meaning 'of the thorn'). The exterior is a masterpiece of Pisan Gothic, with a series of cusped arches and niches containing statues by artists like Giovanni Pisano. Inside, the single nave is simple but features frescoes and a painted crucifix. Its location right on the river adds to its charm, especially when reflected in the water.
Don't miss
- The ornate exterior with statues by Giovanni Pisano
- The holy thorn relic displayed in a tabernacle
- The riverfront setting with reflections on the Arno
- The 14th-century frescoes inside
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Santa Maria della Spina
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inFrom Livorno to Pisa on your own with optional Leaning Tower Ticket4★ · 226 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →
Best full dayTuscany Tour: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano + Lunch & Wine Pairing4.6★ · 6,814 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$69 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSanta Maria Novella: the Church, the Pharmacy, the Museum4.8★ · 10 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$250 per personSee dates →More attractions in Pisa