Pisa - Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

On top of the Cathedral´s apse is a replica of this sculpture.

This is the original "Pisa Griffin". It is in Pisa since medieval times. It is of Islamic origin. It is 1.07m high - and the largest medieval Islamic metal sculpture known. It was probably casted in Spain (Al-Andaluz) within the 11th century. There is even an Islamic inscription in Kufic letters around the griffin´s breast.

The griffin was probably a trophy piece, brought to Pisa during the many wars against the Saracens during the 11th century.