The San Frediano Church is one of the oldest churches in Pisa. The facade is a typical example of Romanesque architecture. The biggest attraction of this university church is a 13th century wooden crucifix.
San Frediano Church in Pisa, a brief history
The original Church of San Frediano was built between the 6th and 7th century. The only element left of this early church is its Romanesque facade with Pisan influences.
San Frediano was a hermit of Irish descent, who in the 4th century had become bishop of Lucca.
Resotrations in the 20th century have tried to return the church as much as possible to its original forms.
Nowadays the church functions as the University church.
What to see
Exterior
The lower part of this three-level facade is characterized by seven blind arches enclosing diamond-shaped decorations. (Similar ornaments can be seen at the Cathedral.) The architrave is a reused 4th century Roman architectural element. An epigraph near the entrance denounces the persistance of Lombard cultural customs.
Interior
The interior consists of three naves and is only sparsely decorated. The three side chapels were added during a 17th century reconstruction, which had become necessary after a fire. The columns and capitol decorations date back to the 11th century.
The most interesting work of art is a painted wooden crucifix, which dates back to the 2nd half of the 13th century. The anonymous artist is generally referred to as Maestro di San Frediano. The crucifix is located in the first chapel on the left, known as the Cappella Pesciolini.
Ventura Salimbeni painted the “Invention of the Cross” and the “Emperor Eraclio Carrying the Cross” in the first chapel on the left.
Salimbeni was also responsible for for the “Annunciation” and the “Worship of the Shepherds” in the third chapel on the left.
Giuseppe Giacobbi sculpted the early 18th century wooden crucifix gracing the main altar. Giacobbi obviously liked sculpting crucifixes, since he made similar ones for the churches of Santa Caterina, San Francesco and San Giuseppe.
The painting “Adoration of the Kings” (1604) was painted by the local artist Aurelio Lomi (1556-1624). It is located between the 2nd and 3rd chapel on the right.
The frescoes decorating the dome were painted by an artist from Siena, called Rutilio Manetti (1571-1639). “The Martyrdom of San Torpé”, in the 3rd chapel on the right, is also by Manetti.
The marble confessional on the left dates back to the 18th century.
What to know before you go
Address: Piazza San Frediano, 5 – Pisa. Phone: Unknown. Opening times: From 09.00 till 12.30 and from 16.00 till 18.00. Admission: Free.
San Frediano Church Pisa
Bibliography
Bertini, Luca, Pisa itinerari. Guida alla visita della città.
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