Basilica of San Piero a Grado near Pisa and walking in the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli National Park.
Did you know that just before entering Pisa you can admire one of the most impressive 10th cent church built before the cathedral of Pisa?
Thanks to repeated archeological excavations (1919-25 and 1955-58) it appears clear that its foundations referred to an early-Christian building constructed on civilian Roman remains.
After that, here there was a larger 8th-9th century church so what we can see now it’s related to the 10th century new church, a structure that has been modified in the years but still maintain the original basilica frame with aisles and the unusual two apse chambers.
This basilica presents the typical Pisan Romanesque art features with well visible stone carved small blind arches, imposing and magnificent local stone construction with impressive ceramics, an example of Islamic, Majorcan and Sicilian artcrafts with elegant 10-12th cent geometric decorations.
This is linked to the prosperity of the Republic of Pisa, a strong commercial and naval state dominating the Mediterranean. The pope nominated the diocese of Pisa to the rank of metropolitan archdiocese in 1092. Then Pisa took part to the First Crusade and the siege of Jerusalem in 1099.
These historical events reflect on any Pisan art, that is why its control over the Mediterranean and Byzantine Empire brought back an oriental influence in art and architecture.
Inside you can find impressive classical columns with other elements introduced during the Middle Ages, like the gothic ciborium from early 14th cent located in the west side of the church where St. Peter is said to have given his first sermon.
The outstanding recently restored frescos were commissioned by the Caetani an important Pisan family, for the Jubilee invoked in 1300 by pope Boniface VIII. In the lower section there are portraits of popes from St. Peter to John XVII in 1003, the other 30 panels represent scenes from the life of St Peter St Paul Constantine and St. Silvester recalling the ones in the old Vaticano basilica and those by Cimabue in Assisi.
This important basilica for centuries has been the destination of frequent pilgrimages in honour of St. Peter.
Today you could make it as a stop before entering Pisa or while you go to the seaside long walk in Vecchiano or other sites inside the protected Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli National Park.
This area includes a variety of environments from large marshes, pine forests, sand dunes it stretches from Pisa to Lucca provinces and goes up to coastal rocks between Livorno and the island of Gorgona…I will talk about it separately.