The San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno Church, as the name indicates, stands in close proximity to the river Arno in Pisa. This church is run by the Benedictine Order of the Vallombrosians and has often been reconstructed, most recently after World War II.
San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno Church Pisa, a brief history
The fact that the San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno is also called the Duomo Vecchio (“Old Cathedral”) is due to the fact that the archbishop used the church to celebrate mass there while the current Cathedral was being built.
The church was either built in the 9th or the 10th century. A first reconstruction took place at the end of the 11th/beginning of the 12th century. A plaque behind the main altar states that the reconsecration took place in 1149, even though the facade was only completed in 1165. Other reconstructions were carried out in the 14th (by Giovanni Pisano) and in the 18th century. After World War II a complete reconstruction was necessary because of heavy bombardments that affected the whole neighborhood.
What to see
Exterior
The fairly intact exterior has a facade of which the lower part is characterized by a lower level with five blind arches framing small rose windows and lozenges. The latter are typical of Pisan architecture. Some of the arches are slightly pointed. The upper level consists of three loggias.
Interior
The floor plan is Latin and the church has three naves separated by 10 columns with Romanesque capitals.
The inside of the façade is adorned by a Roman sarcophagus decorated with lion heads. It contains the mortal remains of a 12th century lawyer, politician and translator called Burgondio.
The frescoes above the first column on the left depict “Saints Bartholomew and Francis” and were painted by Buffalmacco (1290-1340). Buonamico Buffalmacco is best known for the frescoes he painted for the Camposanto cemetery.
Turino Vanni (c. 1348-c. 1438) painted the “Madonna with Child and St. Ranieri, St. Torpé and two Saints (1397)” in the transept.
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Piazza San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno – Pisa. Telephone: Not known. Opening hours: The church is closed due to restoration works.
San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno church, Pisa
Bibliography
Bertini, Luca, Pisa itinerari. Guida alla visita della città.
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