The Church of San Sisto in Corte Vecchia is the oldest church in Pisa that is still preserved in its original state. Unlike the Duomo, which was built only a couole of years earlier, it is a fairly dark church and lacks real interesting works of art. It did however play an important role in the the history of the city.
History of the Church of San Sisto Vecchio in Pisa
The church was built to celebrate the victory over the Tunisian city of Al-Mahdija on 6 August 1087. San Sisto‘s feast day is on August 6th and the inhabitants of Pisa used to always be victorious in their battles on this particular date. (In 1284 the city would lose a war against Genoa on August 6th, however, and San Sisto was demoted from being the patron saint. The church remained dedicated to him. The new patron saint became San Ranieri).
The addition “Corte Vecchia” is due to the fact that, until the 11th century, the town council used to meet in the church. As the power of the citizens increased, the original town council, which consisted of Lombard appointed noblemen, lost influence and the Corte thus became Vecchia (“old”). After Pisa had been usurped by Florence, the meetings ceased altogether.
The last major restoration took place in 1786. The timber roof truss was replaced by a vaulted ceiling, and stucco and marble decorations were added.
What to see
The facade of the Romanesque San Sisto in Corte Vecchia Church is characterised by hanging arches and (copies of) Islamic-looking majolica’s. The original ones are on display in the San Matteo Museum.
To the right of the entrance you can see a 14th/15th century ship’s rudder.
There is a plaque commemorating the death of the Emir Al Murtada, who, after the conquest of the Balearic Islands, was taken to Pisa.
There are also replicas of historical banners of the city’s districts.
What to know before you go
Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri – Pisa. Telephone: Unknown. Opening Hours: From 09.00 to 12.30. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
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