Santa Maria della Spina
Pisa
Copyright: Marko Pavlichenko /unsplash.comSanta Maria della Spina
The rather small Santa Maria della Spina church church, erected around 1230 and later enlarged in 1325, has one of the most outstanding Gothic edifices in Europe. Its riverside location adds to the iconic status, making it one of the most photographed structures in the city. You can find it on the left bank of the River Arno, opposite the National Museum of Pisa. The name of della Spina ("of the thorn") comes from the presence of a thorn, recognised as a part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ. The relic was brought to this church in 1333.
Do & See
The boat service in Pisa will let you enjoy the architectural scenery of the Lungarni, or the natural beauty of the nearby San Rossore Natural Park, in which several important races and dressage competitions take place. Pisa celebrates traditional events such as the fascinating Luminara (a candlelight festival), the historical Regata (a boat race on the Arno river) and the Gioco del Ponte (an ancient contest on the Ponte di Mezzo). The three of them take place every year in June. An alternative could be a festival of international sacred music called Anima Mundi. It takes place between September and October in the Cathedral and Monumental Cemetery.