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 at a Glance#
Address: Santa Maria della Spina, Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Italy
Hours: Exterior view always accessible; interior hours irregular (check local parish notices)
Admission: Free to view exterior; interior access sometimes limited and may be closed for conservation
About Santa Maria della Spina#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 2° - 11° | 4° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Good | 2° - 12° | 5° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Excellent | 11° - 22° | 17° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 51 mm | some cloud | 64% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 23° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.9h |
| August | Excellent | 17° - 30° | 23° | 54 mm | mostly sunny | 61% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 98 mm | some cloud | 66% | 2.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 10° - 21° | 16° | 139 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 11° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 3° - 12° | 5° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
