Church of Notre-Dame de la Spina : info and guided tour

Introduction to the Church of Our Lady of the Thorn

The Church of Our Lady of the Thorn, or Santa Maria della Spina, is a small Gothic church in Pisa, located on Lungarno Gambacorti, on the banks of the Arno. Despite its modest size, it is among the city’s most remarkable monuments thanks to its richly decorated design and delicately sculpted silhouette.

Its name comes from a relic of the Crown of Thorns that is said to have once been kept there. The building has undergone several transformations over time, including being dismantled and reassembled after problems related to its proximity to the river. This unusual history also explains the singular place it holds in Pisa’s landscape.

The highly elaborate façade combines light marble, pinnacles, rose windows, and statues in a finely crafted Pisan Gothic style. The whole structure draws the eye with the precision of its sculptures and the balance between verticality and ornamentation. It is one of the city’s most elegant examples of medieval architecture.

The visit allows you to admire up close the details of the façade and the exterior decorations that made the monument famous. On the banks of the Arno, the church stands out as much for its artistic refinement as for its integration into Pisa’s historic center, where it remains an essential landmark.

Discover Pisa with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand the history of Santa Maria della Spina, the meaning of its Gothic decoration, and its relationship to Pisa’s major monuments. Their insight also makes it possible to place this small church in the context of the Arno riverfront and the city’s heritage.