1. The Church of Santa Maria della Spina, also known as Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, is a small gothic church located in Pisa, Italy. It is situated along the Lungarno Gambacorti, near the Ponte di Mezzo. The church’s unique feature is its delicate architecture and intricate decorations, which make it appear as if it is made entirely of lace.
The church was originally built in 1230 to house a thorn from the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. The thorn was brought to Pisa by a merchant, and the church was built to house it as a relic.
The exterior of the Church of Santa Maria della Spina is covered in white and colored marble, and features beautiful sculptures, pinnacles, and spires. These intricate decorations are characteristic of the Gothic architecture style. However, due to centuries of erosion and damage from the river, the church was moved to its current location in 1871 to protect it from further harm.
2. The working hours of the Church of Santa Maria della Spina may vary, so it is advisable to check with the local authorities or tourist information center for the most up-to-date information. Unfortunately, no phone number is available for the church.
3. It is important to note that the Church of Santa Maria della Spina is not currently open to the public for regular visits. Due to its delicate structure and limited capacity, access is restricted. However, visitors can still admire the church from the outside and appreciate its architectural beauty.
To reach the Church of Santa Maria della Spina, you can use public transportation such as buses or taxis. It is located near the Ponte di Mezzo and can be easily accessed on foot from Pisa’s city center.