The rather small Santa Maria della Spina church, erected around 1230 and later enlarged in 1325, has one of the most outstanding Gothic edifices in Europe. Its riverside location adds to the iconic status, making it one of the most photographed structures in the city. You can find it on the left bank of the River Arno, opposite the National Museum of Pisa. The name of della Spina, 'of the thorn,' comes from the presence of a thorn, recognised as a part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ. The relic was brought to this church in 1333.

The National Museum of Nature and Science offers a comprehensive journey through Japan’s natural history and scientific development. Its collections span from pre-Meiji scientific instruments to modern technology, including a real rocket launcher and a digital seismograph tracking earthquakes in real time. The museum is famous for its lifelike dinosaur exhibitions, a major draw for younger visitors, and houses the taxidermied figures of the loyal dog Hachikō and the Antarctic sled dogs Taro and Jiro. The Japan Gallery explores the archipelago's diverse ecosystems, featuring wildlife from Hokkaidō bears to Okinawan giant beetles. Other notable exhibits include an Edo-period mummy and an immersive 360-degree theatre.

The compact yet informative archaeological museum of Astypalaia provides visitors with a brief runthrough the rare finds which have been made on the island. Exhibits include jewellery, tools, ceramics, and other items dating from between the prehistoric period and Medieval times.