ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Crowdfunding campaign launched to restore Pisa's old cathedral San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-05

A crowdfunding initiative has been initiated to rehabilitate San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, the historic cathedral of Pisa, following the collapse of a transept fragment in 2010. Restoration efforts commenced on February 8, after a five-year diagnostic phase, and are anticipated to take two years. The Archdiocese of Pisa has collaborated with Unicoop Firenze, a consumer cooperative established in 1973, to create the 'Sostieni San Paolo' campaign on Eppela, which offers incentives such as public recognition and guided tours. Unicoop Firenze will contribute 50% of the funding, with a goal of raising at least 200,000 euros within two months (currently at 42,105 euros) towards the 1 million euro restoration expense. The church, founded in 1032, is a significant symbol of the city and has welcomed renowned artists.

Key facts

  • A fragment of the transept of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno fell into the street in 2010.
  • Restoration began on February 8 and is expected to last two years.
  • Unicoop Firenze launched the 'Sostieni San Paolo' crowdfunding campaign on Eppela.
  • The campaign aims to raise at least 200,000 euros in two months; 42,105 euros raised so far.
  • Unicoop Firenze will co-finance 50% of the requested budget.
  • Total restoration costs are approximately 1 million euros.
  • The church dates back to 1032 and is a Romanesque gem.
  • Artists associated with the church include Giovanni Pisano, Buonamico Buffalmacco, and Turino Vanni.

Entities

Artists

  • Giovanni Pisano
  • Buonamico Buffalmacco
  • Turino Vanni

Institutions

  • Arcidiocesi di Pisa
  • Unicoop Firenze
  • Eppela

Locations

  • Pisa
  • Italy
  • San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno
  • Piazza San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno

Sources