Church of Santa Maria Della Spina - Pisa

Santa Maria della Spina is a Pisan Gothic church in Pisa on the left bank of the Arno River.

The small architecture in polychrome marble once guarded the Holy Thorn, from which it took its name.
Built in 1230[3] by the Gualandi family, the temple was originally called Santa Maria di Pontenovo, because of the bridge connecting Via Sant'Antonio to Via Santa Maria, which collapsed in the 15th century. The name Spina derives from the fact that it contained a thorn that is said to have been part of the crown that Jesus wore at his crucifixion and which was brought here in 1333, but has been kept in the church of Santa Chiara since the 19th century.

Contemporary art exhibitions are currently held in the interior of the church.

On the twelve large tabernacles, just above the polyphores and the door, are the twelve images of the apostles, while the other five small tabernacles are left empty and another jutting tabernacle bears the effigy of Christ

On the right part of the south side we find the eagle of John the Evangelist. and is flanked by two tabernacles of different sizes. The copy on the right is above another with the Madonna and Child by Giovanni di Balduccio (1320-40).

Compared to the rich exterior, the interior seems rather plain.

willem vandenameele