The square was formerly known as Piazza delle Sette Vie before being reconfigured into a center for the Knights of St. Stephen.
The Palazzo della Carovana was built by merging existing medieval tower houses into a singular, uniform facade.
The facade's sgraffito work was restored in the 1900s to repair damage sustained during the centuries.
The square holds the memory of the 'Hunger Tower' (Torre della Muda), linked to the gruesome death of Count Ugolino.
The church interior displays authentic banners captured from Turkish galleys during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
Piazza dei Cavalieri serves as the historic political and administrative center of Pisa, distinct for its high concentration of Renaissance architecture surrounding a central public space. The square features a prominent statue of Cosimo I de' Medici, the founder of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen, executed by Pietro Francavilla. It is dominated by the Palazzo della Carovana, designed by Giorgio Vasari, which currently serves as the headquarters for the Scuola Normale Superiore. The architectural facade of this building features intricate sgraffito decorations and the Medici coat of arms. The square is also home to the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, built to house the relics of Saint Stephen and battle trophies taken from Ottoman ships. The Torre della Muda, once part of the Gherardesca family's fortress, stands on the site where Count Ugolino della Gherardesca was famously imprisoned as described in Dante's Divine Comedy. The layout was redesigned in the 16th century by Vasari to project the authority of the Medici grand dukes over the city. It remains an active academic hub, housing some of Italy's most prestigious collegiate institutions.
From the center of the square looking toward the Palazzo della Carovana for a symmetrical shot of the facade and statue.
Walk the perimeter to view the distinct sgraffito details on the palazzo walls up close.
Visit during academic term times to witness the square as an active university campus.
Look for the commemorative plaque regarding the historical prison site.
Do not mistake the administrative buildings for public museums; most interiors are not open to casual foot traffic.
Respect that the buildings are functioning university offices and classrooms; keep noise levels low.
