The church was moved stone-by-stone to its current location in the late 19th century to protect it from river erosion.
The name 'della Spina' refers to a relic of a thorn from the Crown of Thorns, housed here until the 19th century.
The exterior statues are largely high-quality replicas; the original sculptures are preserved in the San Matteo National Museum in Pisa.
The structure is built on a very small footprint, making it one of the smallest Gothic churches in Europe.
Its location on the Lungarno Gambacorti makes it susceptible to ground subsidence, requiring periodic structural monitoring.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is a pinnacle of Pisan Gothic architecture situated directly on the left bank of the Arno River. Originally built in 1230 as Santa Maria di Pontenovo, it was renamed after acquiring a thorn purportedly from Christ’s crown in 1333. The building features an intricate exterior adorned with tabernacles, statues by Giovanni Pisano and his school, and ornate gables. Due to the shifting banks of the Arno and periodic flooding, the church was dismantled and reconstructed at a higher elevation in 1871. The interior is notably smaller than the exterior suggests, functioning primarily as a display space for art and historical artifacts. It currently serves as an exhibition venue rather than a consecrated parish church.
From the opposite bank of the Arno River for a full view of the riverside facade.
View the exterior from across the river at sunset to capture the stone details reflecting on the water.
The interior is very compact, allowing for a quick visit while walking along the Arno.
Check the local municipal website for temporary art exhibition schedules before arrival.
Do not expect a full-scale cathedral experience, as the space is quite small and lacks a typical religious liturgical layout.
Closed on Mondays. Openings may be limited based on current art exhibition schedules.
Maintain a quiet volume; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected if the church is used for exhibitions.
