Sant'Andrea Forisportam, Romanesque church in Pisa, Italy.
Sant'Andrea Forisportam is a Romanesque church in Pisa featuring a clear facade with three entrances beneath arches and four blind arches separated by pilasters with round windows and diamond-shaped decorative elements. The interior is structured by six pillars with capitals, four of which come from Roman structures while two were crafted in Biduino's workshop.
The church was first documented in 1104 and served as a parish church for centuries before being deconsecrated in 1839. Following its conversion from religious use, the building underwent various transformations and eventually became a theater, allowing its architectural fabric to endure.
The name refers to its location outside the ancient city walls, and the building displays Romanesque design principles with rounded arches and geometric patterns throughout its structure. This spatial arrangement reflects how medieval religious buildings were designed and used in the Pisan context.
The building now functions as a theater hosting performances throughout the year, meaning access may be tied to scheduled events. Visitors should check ahead for the current program and opening hours since access to the site can be limited to performance times.
The roof eaves display replicas of ceramic basins from the 12th century, while the original pieces crafted in Islamic workshops are now housed in the Museum of San Matteo in Pisa. This decoration served both practical and aesthetic purposes, reflecting Pisa's trade connections across the Mediterranean.
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