Santa Maria della Spina, Gothic church on Arno riverbank, Pisa, Italy
Santa Maria della Spina is a Gothic church with a rectangular ground plan situated on the Arno riverbank in Pisa. The building is defined by polychrome marble bands and displays intricate Gothic sculptural decorations across its exterior surfaces.
The structure was erected in the 13th century and acquired its name after receiving a major relic in 1333, believed to be a thorn from Christ's crown. This holy possession drew pilgrims from across the region seeking spiritual connection.
The church displays a distinctive Gothic facade with two entrances and houses works by major local artists of the period. The decoration reflects how Pisan craftspeople channeled their skills into religious structures.
It is best visited during daylight hours when natural light illuminates the finely crafted interior and exterior details. The structure is easily accessible and situated near other sights along the Arno, making it convenient to explore the area.
The building was so vulnerable to flooding that engineers lifted the entire structure one meter higher in 1871. This unusual solution shows how determined people were to protect the structure rather than demolish and rebuild it.
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