Palazzo della Carovana: A Pisan Masterpiece
A Renaissance masterpiece in Pisa's Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Palazzo della Carovana showcases the city's rich history and architectural beauty.
Located in the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Palazzo della Carovana is a striking architectural gem with a rich history. Designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1562-1564, the palace was built as the headquarters for the Knights of St. Stephen, a military order established by Cosimo I de Medici to defend the Mediterranean against the Ottoman Turks. The name 'Carovana' refers to the three-year training period undertaken by the knights. Vasari significantly restructured the existing Palazzo degli Anziani, creating a unified and elegant Renaissance façade. The façade features intricate sgraffito decorations depicting allegorical figures and zodiac signs, designed by Vasari and sculpted by Tommaso di Battista del Verrocchio and Alessandro Forzori. The palace also features busts of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, added between the late 16th and early 18th centuries. Since 1846, the Palazzo della Carovana has been the main building of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, a prestigious university. While the palace primarily serves as an academic institution, visitors can admire its architecture and historical significance from the outside. The Piazza dei Cavalieri itself is a historic square, once the political center of Pisa and the site of the Roman Forum.
Local tips
- Visit the Palazzo della Carovana during the day to fully appreciate the intricate details of its sgraffito façade.
- Explore the Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the palace is located, to discover other historical buildings and monuments.
- Check the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa website for potential events or exhibitions that may be open to the public.
A brief summary to Palazzo della Carovana
- P.za dei Cavalieri, 7, Pisa, Province of Pisa, 56126, IT
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, walk approximately 500 meters northwest to reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the Palazzo della Carovana is located. The route is mostly pedestrianized, making it an easy walk. As you walk from the Leaning Tower, head east towards Via Santa Maria, continue straight, then turn left onto Via Dini. Piazza dei Cavalieri will be on your right. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From Pisa Centrale train station, take the LAM Rossa bus line towards the city center. Get off at a stop near Piazza dei Cavalieri. The ride is approximately 10 minutes. A single 70-minute ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased at newsagents, grocery stores, or via the AT Bus mobile app. Validate your ticket upon boarding the bus.
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Taxi
From Pisa Airport, take a taxi to Piazza dei Cavalieri. The ride is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Pisa are calculated by taximeter, with a base fare of €3.25, a price per km of €1.10, and a minimum charge of €6.45. A ride from the airport to the city center typically costs around €12. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter at the beginning of the ride.
