Santa Maria della Spina
Church Small Gothic church on the Arno, noted for marble
Beside the Arno in Pisa, Santa Maria della Spina is a small 14th‑century Gothic chapel famed for its ornate marble façade. Visitors stop for close views of the sculptural detail and for photos along the riverbank near the Lungarno.
Santa Maria della Spina is a small Gothic riverside church in Pisa noted for its richly decorated marble facade and compact, highly ornate exterior. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the church was rebuilt and richly embellished in the 14th century and is an example of Pisan Gothic craftsmanship.
The building is small in scale and was historically associated with a relic said to be a thorn from Christ’s crown, which gave the church its name. The interior is modest compared with the exterior sculptural programme.
Situated on the north bank of the Arno within Pisa’s historic core, the church stands very close to the river and is easily reached from the main city landmarks and piazzas.
How to Get to Santa Maria della Spina #
Santa Maria della Spina is a five- to ten-minute walk from Pisa’s central train station (Pisa Centrale). From the Piazza dei Miracoli (Leaning Tower), cross the Ponte di Mezzo and follow the Lungarno Gambacorti along the river to reach the church.
Tips for Visiting Santa Maria della Spina #
- View Santa Maria della Spina from the Lungarno Gambacorti bridge at dusk to see the church reflected in the Arno
- If the interior is open, stay for the carved tabernacle by Giovanni Pisano - it is one of the masterpieces most visitors miss
- Combine the visit with a short walk to the nearby Church of Santa Maria della Spina's little museum or to the Camposanto on the other bank
Best Time to Visit Santa Maria della Spina #
Best seen in shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and good light on the Arno's reflections.
Weather & Climate near Santa Maria della Spina #
Santa Maria della Spina's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (921 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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