San Pietro in Vinculis

San Pietro in Vinculis is a Romanesque church in Pisa with a stone facade featuring five arches and twin windows that define its front elevation. Beneath the main floor lies a crypt with stone columns and cross-vaulted ceilings, while the adjacent bell tower was originally a residential building from the 12th century that was later repurposed.

Construction took place between 1072 and 1081, replacing an earlier building known as San Pietro ai Sette Pini that first appeared in written records around 763. This rebuilding represented an architectural renewal of a sacred site that had served the community across several centuries.

The marble floor mosaic from the 12th century displays intricate colored patterns that work together with painted frescoes of the Annunciation and Saint Peter to create a devotional space. These visual elements show how local artisans decorated this place of worship.

Located at Via Cavour 1 in central Pisa, the church is easily accessible along the main street. Visiting the crypt below requires descending stairs into the underground area, so wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for stone steps and uneven floors.

Until 1406, this church guarded the Pisan Pandects, a fundamental legal manuscript containing Justinian's Digest. This precious document was later moved to Florence and became an important reference for legal scholars across centuries.

Location: Pisa

Inception: 1072

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 43.71632,10.40386

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24