Piazza dei Cavalieri: Pisa's Historic Heart

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Discover Pisa's political and military past in Piazza dei Cavalieri, a Renaissance square transformed by the Knights of St. Stephen.

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Piazza dei Cavalieri

Piazza dei Cavalieri, or Knights' Square, is the second main square in Pisa and a historical landmark. Once the political center of medieval Pisa, it later became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen in the 16th century. Today, it's a center of education, home to the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, a prestigious university.

A brief summary to Piazza dei Cavalieri

P.za dei Cavalieri, Pisa, Province of Pisa, 56126, IT
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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

Local tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and sculptures in the square.
Explore the surrounding streets for authentic local dining options and charming shops.
Check for local events or exhibitions that might be taking place during your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

Piazza dei Cavalieri is easily accessible on foot from major landmarks in Pisa. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa, head east on Piazza dei Miracoli towards Via Santa Maria, continue to Via Roma, and turn left. The square will be on your right. From Pisa Centrale train station, walk west on Via Francesco Crispi, turn left on Via Palestro, and continue straight. The square will be ahead. The walk from the Leaning Tower takes about 5 minutes , and from the train station, it's approximately a 20-30 minute walk.
Public Transport

If arriving by train at Pisa Centrale, you can take a local bus to Piazza dei Cavalieri. Several bus routes connect the train station to the city center. A 70-minute ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased at newsstands, tobacconists, or via the AT Bus mobile app. Get off at the 'Piazza dei Cavalieri' bus stop. Alternatively, from the airport, take the PisaMover shuttle to Pisa Centrale for €2.50, then proceed by bus or foot.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Pisa, including at Pisa Centrale train station and the airport. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza dei Cavalieri typically costs between €22 and €27 and takes only a few minutes. A taxi from the airport will cost a similar amount. There are no unavoidable tolls on this route.

Discover more about Piazza dei Cavalieri

Piazza dei Cavalieri, also known as Knights' Square, is a historically significant square in Pisa, Italy. In ancient times, this square was the political center of Pisa, serving as the Roman Forum. It was known as Piazza delle Sette Vie (Square of the Seven Streets). The square's transformation began in the 16th century when Cosimo I de' Medici established the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen, a military order created to combat the Ottoman Empire. Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to redesign the square in the Renaissance style. Vasari's masterplan transformed the square into a showcase of Mannerist architecture. The centerpiece is the Palazzo della Carovana, the former headquarters of the Knights. Its facade boasts intricate sgraffito decorations, busts of Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and the Medici coat of arms. Today, it houses the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. Other notable buildings include the Palazzo dell'Orologio, featuring an astronomical clock, and the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, showcasing Renaissance religious architecture. The church contains Turkish naval banners captured by the Knights during the naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571. In the center of the piazza stands a statue of Cosimo I de' Medici. Piazza dei Cavalieri remains a vibrant space, popular with locals and tourists. It's a place where history, education, and daily life converge, offering visitors a glimpse into Pisa's rich past and present.