The Basilica of San Piero a Grado stands where, according to tradition, St. Peter landed while on his way from the Aegean Sea to Rome.
The church was built on the remains of a Palaeo-Christian temple dating from the 4th or 5th century AD.
A charming example of the Pisan Romanesque style, built of tuffaceous stone and white marble obtained from Roman remains, the church is characterized by two sets of apses, with three apses facing east and one west. The main entrance is on the northern flank of the building. The exterior is decorated with engaged columns, blind arches and ceramic basins of Islamic derivation. The tripartite interior is characterized by large columns with capitals and arches decorated in red. Above them is a representation of all the popes up until the 15th century. Lucca-born artist Deodato Orlandi painted the ''Facts in the Life of St. Peter''.
Ancient remains of a sacred building dating from late antiquity have come to light in the eastern portion of the church and are currently being studied.
Opening hours:
8:00-19:00
Admission:
Free (donations welcome)
For further informations:
Ph: +39 050 960065
Source: www.pisaturismo.it
