The Church of Santa Maria della Spina in Pisa is an exuberantly decorated Gothic church along the banks of the River Arno. The small church stands out among the adjacent palaces, which are sober of both construction and color. Spina refers to one of the thorns in Christ’s crown, which used to be preserved inside the church.
Santa Maria della Spina Church Pisa, a brief history
The Santa Maria della Spina Church was founded in 1230, although it was then called Santa Maria del Ponte Novo. It was located near the Ponte Novo connecting the Via Sant’Antonio to the Via Santa Maria and was meant as a sort of divine protection for the bridge. This bridge was destroyed in the 15th century.
The oratory was given a thorn from the crown of Christ in 1333, which gave it its current name. It had been brought to Pisa by a merchant and donated to the church by the family Longhi. Although the thorn has since been moved to the Santa Chiara Church, the sanctuary is still called della spina.
In the 14th century, several renovations took place, probably under the supervision of Lupo di Francesco, who had learned his craft from Giovanni Pisano. The maintenance work had become a necessity, because of the subsidence of the terrain next to the river.
In the 19th century, it was decided to dismantle the church completely and rebuild it on a higher spot. After the reconstruction, the church was one meter taller, the sacristy had been removed and several statues replaced by copies. The work started in 1871 and finished in 1884. Unfortunately several statues were damaged during the renovation.
What to see in the Church of Santa Maria della Spina
Exterior
The facade is characterized by three spires, the central one of which seems to be a little further back. A central pillar supports a small aedicula containing a sculpture of the “Madonna and Child between Two Angels”. The tabernacle was probably made by Nicola Pisano, between 1310 and 1320.
His use of spires and tympanums is reminiscent of other cathedrals such as those of Siena and Orvieto, as well as the architecture of funerary monuments.
On top of the three pediments there are more statues, made by Andrea Pisano’s workshop.
The south side is decorated with statues of the 12 apostles, together with one of Jesus himself.
Interior
The interior of the church consists of a single nave. The walls are characterised by two-coloured stripes.
The statues near the main altar depict the “Madonna della Rosa”, “John the Baptist” and “Saint Peter” and are attributed to Nino and Andrea Pisano.
The tabernacle where the thorn used to be kept is still in the church, although the relic itself was moved to the Church of Santa Chiara. The tabernacle was made in 1534, by Stagio Stagi.
A “Madonna del Latte”, made by Andrea and Nicola Pisano, which used to be placed at the altar near the entrance, can now be seen in the Museo di San Matteo.
The marble choir was made by Andrea Guardi.
The painting “Holy Conversation” by il Sodoma, which used to adorn the church, is now also preserved in the San Matteo Museum.
Address, opening hours and admission
The address of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is Lungarno Gambacorti – 56125 Pisa (tel. +39 0555121919). Bus: 5. Unfortunatelt the church is almost always closed and can only be seen from outside.
Leave a Reply