Attraction Guide: Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pisa, Italy

Piazza dei Cavalieri Guide

Piazza dei Cavalieri: Where History and Learning Converge Guide

Welcome to Piazza dei Cavalieri, or Knights' Square, a historical landmark in Pisa that offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich past. Once the political heart of Pisa, this square has transformed into a center of education and culture, dominated by the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore. Prepare to be impressed by the architectural grandeur and the stories etched into the stones of this significant public space. The Piazza dei Cavalieri's history is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of the Pisan Republic. In the Middle Ages, it was the site of the Palazzo del Popolo, the seat of the city's government. However, after Florence conquered Pisa in the 15th century, the square underwent a dramatic transformation under the direction of Giorgio Vasari. Cosimo I de' Medici established the Order of Saint Stephen here, a military religious order, and the square became a symbol of Florentine power. The Palazzo della Carovana, now the main building of the Scuola Normale Superiore, was built on the site of the old Palazzo del Popolo, reflecting this shift in power. Today, Piazza dei Cavalieri offers a variety of activities for tourists. Admire the Palazzo della Carovana, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and the statue of Cosimo I de' Medici in the center of the square. Visit the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, built by Vasari, which houses banners captured from enemy ships. Take a stroll around the square, soak in the atmosphere, and imagine the historical events that unfolded here. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to the Piazza, you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes nearby offering traditional Tuscan cuisine.