According to tradition, the Basilica of San Piero a Grado was built where Saint Peter landed after coming from Antioch in the 44 AD. The present building, in tufa, dates back to the XI century, while the western side and the bell tower (partially destroyed during WW2) date back to the XII century.

At the end of the XII century, the church was mysteriously shortened to about a quarter of its original length, resulting in the demolition of the early façade and four rows of arches to make way for a building without windows but with a new façade and altar. Repeated shapes such as pilaster strips and single-windows make this church one of the first examples of the Pisan-Romanesque architecture.

Inside, the church is divided into three naves with recycled columns and capitals. In the vast central nave, there are frescoes representing “Scenes from the Life of Saints Peter and Paul” and “Popes Portraits”, which Deodato Orlandi painted in the XIV century.

The visit takes about 1 hour, but depending on your interests and time constraints, the tour could be extended. Following a short bus excursion, you could have a spectacular panoramic view of the Church and its surroundings, with the Meditherranean Sea in the background.