Nuova pagina 6

This tiny building, erected in 1323, is a jewel of Pisan Gothic architecture Its name derives from a reliquary containing a thorn (spina), supposedly from Christ's Crown of Thorns, once preserved inside. The building originally stood on the river bank but, constantly threatened by floods and humidity, it was dismantled and set up on a safer spot at street level.
The exterior of the marble-faced church is elaborately decorated, especially the side facing the Arno. The whole building is crowned with intricately carved spires, and pinnacles, as well as figures of saints and angels. The façade is adorned with two rose-windows and three cusps. In the tabernacle in the middle are sculptures of the Virgin and Child and two angels by Giovanni di Balduccio. The altar inside the building has sculptures by Tommaso Pisano.

This superb example of Pisan Romanesque architecture was actually founded in the 9th century. Over the centuries it has been remodelled several times (The most recent restoration dates from 1943). Its typically Pisan façade, with a lower section of arcading topped by three tows of loggias, is faced in striped marble.
The church's single aisles are set off from the nave by granite columns with splendid capitals. Above the choir is a huge dome. On the right is the Tomb of Burgundio, made out of a Roman sarcophagus. In the left aisle is a painting of the Virgin and Child with Saints, dated 1397, by Turino Vanni.
Behind the church, in the middle of the lawn, is the tiny CHAPEL of ST. AGATA, built in the 12th century and attributed to Diotisalvi.
The sole decorative motifs on the plain octagonal brick building are the three-part windows on four sides the corbel table running around the giant cusp.

Retracing our steps back towards the river, we continue along it on the right until reaching the Arsenale delle Galee (Gallery Shipyard) which was commissioned in the 16th century by the Knights of St. Stefano. A bit farther down is the CITADEL, a 15th century fortress built by Florentines for the defense of the precious shipyards.