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Palazzo Agostini: A Pisan Gothic Gem

Explore Palazzo Agostini, a stunning Gothic palace in Pisa with a rich history and vibrant cultural legacy on the Arno River.

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Palazzo Agostini, also known as Palazzo dell'Ussero or the Red Palace, is a striking 14th-century Gothic palace on the Arno River in Pisa. Known for its red brick facade and terracotta decorations, it has been a cultural hub for centuries, housing the historic Caffè dell'Ussero.

A brief summary to Palazzo Agostini or dell'Ussero or Red

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Check local listings for any exhibitions or events happening at the Palazzo.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Arno River for picturesque views.
  • Visit during weekdays to increase the chances of finding Caffè dell'Ussero open.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Agostini is located on Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, easily accessible by foot from Pisa's city center and other main attractions. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, walk east along Via Santa Maria, then turn right onto Lungarno Mediceo. Continue along the Arno River until you reach Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti. The palace will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The main thoroughfare is line 1+, which connects Pisa Centrale station, the city centre, Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower and a large car park with long-distance bus stops every 10 minutes. Several bus lines serve the Lungarno area near Palazzo Agostini. From Pisa Centrale railway station, take bus lines 4 or 13 to the 'Pacinotti 2' stop. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. A single 70-minute ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased at newsstands (Tabacchi), grocery stores, or via the AT Bus mobile app.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Pisa. You can hail a taxi from the street or call Radio Taxi Pisa (+39 050 541 600). From Pisa Centrale railway station, a taxi ride to Palazzo Agostini will take around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The base fare is €3.25, with a price per km of €1.10 in the inner city and a minimum charge of €6.45. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for the trip.

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Discover more about Palazzo Agostini or dell'Ussero or Red

Palazzo Agostini, also called Palazzo dell'Ussero or the Red Palace, stands as a testament to Pisa's rich architectural and cultural heritage. Constructed in the 14th century, the palace is one of the city's oldest and most significant structures. Its location along the Arno River provides picturesque views. The palace's architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. The red brick facade, adorned with terracotta mouldings, reflects the wealth and status of the Agostini family, who acquired the building in 1496 and were prominent silk merchants. The facade features mullioned windows framed with decorative terracotta. The palace has undergone renovations, including the addition of a roof in 1895. For centuries, Palazzo Agostini has been a center for social and cultural life in Pisa. Since 1775, it has housed the Caffè dell'Ussero, a historic coffeehouse that became a meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and politicians. The coffeehouse hosted meetings of the Carbonari, a secret revolutionary society, and was frequented by figures like Giuseppe Mazzini. In 1839, the first Congress of Italian Scientists was held in the Caffè dell'Ussero. Adjacent to the palace was the Cinema Lumière, one of Italy's oldest cinemas, which operated from 1905 to 2011.

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