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Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici: A Pisan Landmark

Explore the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici in Pisa's Piazza dei Cavalieri, a historical landmark with Renaissance architecture and artistic treasures.

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The Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, located in Pisa's Piazza dei Cavalieri, is a historical palace with a rich past. Originally built in the Middle Ages, it has served various functions, including as the Palace of the Archive and the Chancery. Its late Renaissance style reflects the architectural transformations of the Piazza dei Cavalieri.

A brief summary to Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around Piazza dei Cavalieri to admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
  • Visit the Palazzo dell'Orologio and the Church of the Knights, also located in Piazza dei Cavalieri.
  • Check out the nearby Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, walk east along Via Cardinal Pietro Maffi towards Piazza Arcivescovado. Continue onto Via Cesare Battisti, then turn right onto Via Santa Maria. Piazza dei Cavalieri will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Pisa Centrale train station, take bus line 2 towards 'Stazione-Porta A Lucca-Le Maggiola'. Get off at the 'Pacinotti 2' bus stop, which is a 5-minute walk to Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1-€2. Alternatively, the PisaMover connects the train station to the city center.

  • Taxi

    From Pisa Airport, a taxi ride to Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Pisa are calculated by taximeter, with an average base fare of €3.25, a price per km of €1.10, and a minimum charge of €6.45. The estimated cost is between €15-€25.

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Discover more about Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici

The Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, situated in the Piazza dei Cavalieri, stands as a testament to Pisa's rich history. The building's name has evolved over time, reflecting the different governing bodies that have occupied it. Initially known as the Palazzo dell'Archivio during the Middle Ages, it later became the Palazzo dei Priori after Florence conquered Pisa in 1409. Finally, it was named Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici when it was handed over to the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. The Council of the Twelve Knights was an important decision-making body within the Order. In the late 16th century, architect Pietro Francavilla renovated the palace, aligning it with the surrounding buildings in terms of height and late Renaissance style. Francavilla also created the statue of Cosimo I, which stands in front of the nearby Palazzo dei Cavalieri. The palace's facade features a pinkish plaster, which highlights the white marble decorations, including window frames, a column-flanked portal, and balustraded windows. Inside the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, numerous artworks are preserved, including a 16th-century bust of Ferdinand I and a fragment of the fresco of the Assumption from the school of Domenico Ghirlandaio. The Audience Hall (Salone dell'Udienza) is particularly noteworthy, with walls painted by Pietro Paolo Lippi and Antonio Giusti between 1681 and 1683. The carved, gilded, and painted ceiling, featuring the Cardinal Virtues by Ventura Salimbeni, adds to the hall's splendor. Today, the palace houses the Institution of the Knights of Santo Stefano, an organization established in 1939 to uphold the maritime traditions of the Order of Santo Stefano and support the children of sailors.

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