Piazza dei Cavalieri Pisa
A stunning Renaissance square in Pisa, once the political heart and home to the Knights of St. Stephen, now featuring the prestigious Scuola Normale S...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Golden hour light on architecture
Piazza dei Cavalieri Pisa
Best Time
Golden hour light on architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Renaissance square in Pisa, once the political heart and home to the Knights of St. Stephen, now featuring the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore.
"A serene and equally impressive glimpse into Pisa's past, offering beautiful architecture without overwhelming crowds."
☕ Coffee Break with a View
Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe and soak in the historical atmosphere. Perfect for people-watching! :coffee:
🚶♂️ Stroll Beyond the Tower
Don't just see the Leaning Tower! This piazza offers a peaceful, beautiful alternative. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palazzo della Carovana
North side of the piazza
A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with intricate sgraffito decorations.

Statue of Cosimo I de' Medici
Center of the piazza
The imposing bronze statue of the first Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri
East side of the piazza
A historic church with a rich past, once the seat of the Knights of St. Stephen.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Tower Crowds
Timing is Key for Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Coffee Break with a View
Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe
and soak in the historical atmosphere. Perfect for people-watching! :coffee:🚶♂️ Stroll Beyond the Tower
Don't just see the Leaning Tower! This piazza offers a peaceful, beautiful alternative. :walking:
📸 Capture the Details
The sgraffito on Palazzo della Carovana is stunning. Look closely for intricate designs! :camerawithflash:
📅 Check for Events
The piazza hosts concerts
and cultural events. Check local listings! :calendar:Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Coffee Break with a View
Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe
and soak in the historical atmosphere. Perfect for people-watching! :coffee:🚶♂️ Stroll Beyond the Tower
Don't just see the Leaning Tower! This piazza offers a peaceful, beautiful alternative. :walking:
📸 Capture the Details
The sgraffito on Palazzo della Carovana is stunning. Look closely for intricate designs! :camerawithflash:
📅 Check for Events
The piazza hosts concerts
and cultural events. Check local listings! :calendar:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Piazza dei Cavalieri for its stunning Renaissance architecture, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a welcome respite from the crowds at the Leaning Tower. It's considered a beautiful and important part of Pisa's heritage, perfect for a reflective visit and great photos.
"Not much to do here but appreciate the great history and the beauty of this square and the architectural passion of the past. Sit have a coffee and head back in time"
Jason Cobb
"Most visitors to Pisa seem to go to the Torre and then find a pizzaria to eat, and then leave. But if you walk around you'll find lovely places such as these with beautiful architecture, statues and fountains to appreciate."
Andrew Bensley
"Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa is a stunning Renaissance square rich in history. Once a political center, it’s now home to the Scuola Normale Superiore. Highlights include the Palazzo della Carovana, the statue of Cosimo I, and Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri church. Quieter than the Leaning Tower area, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture, perfect for a reflective visit or great photos."
Dani Baal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piazza dei Cavalieri is a pleasant walk from Pisa Centrale station, taking about 15-20 minutes. You can also take a local bus. If arriving from Florence, the train is convenient and affordable.
No, Piazza dei Cavalieri is a short walk, approximately 10-15 minutes, from the Leaning Tower area. It's easily accessible on foot.
Driving directly into the historic center of Pisa can be challenging due to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones). It's best to park in a designated parking lot outside the center and walk or take public transport.
Many visitors focus on the Leaning Tower, but exploring Piazza dei Cavalieri and other historic areas on foot is highly recommended for a richer experience.
Yes, many walking tours of Pisa include Piazza dei Cavalieri as part of their itinerary, offering historical context and insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza dei Cavalieri is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. :ticket:
While the piazza itself is free, entry to specific buildings like the Scuola Normale Superiore or Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri may require tickets or be accessible only during specific visiting hours. It's best to check individual building websites.
As a public square, Piazza dei Cavalieri is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding buildings have their own operating hours.
The Scuola Normale Superiore is a prestigious university, and access to its internal areas might be limited to students and staff. However, its impressive facade is a key part of the piazza's charm.
Yes, the piazza can host events, concerts,
and sometimes demonstrations, which might affect access or create crowds. It's wise to check local event listings.📸 📸 Photography
The entire piazza offers great photo opportunities. Focus on the Palazzo della Carovana's sgraffito, the statue of Cosimo I, and the church facade. The surrounding architecture is also very photogenic.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful light that enhances the Renaissance architecture. Evenings also offer a magical atmosphere.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers and public squares due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid using drones here.
Absolutely! The intricate sgraffito on Palazzo della Carovana is a must-see. Also, look for the details on the Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri church and the statues.
Compared to the Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Cavalieri is much less crowded, making it ideal for photography without constant interruptions.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Originally the Roman forum, it became the political center of Pisa in the Middle Ages and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen, a military order. It was redesigned by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century.
The major redesign of the piazza in the 16th century was overseen by Giorgio Vasari, a renowned artist and architect of the Renaissance.
Sgraffito is a decorative technique where a layer of plaster is scratched through to reveal a different colored layer underneath, creating intricate patterns like those seen on Palazzo della Carovana.
It's one of Italy's most prestigious higher education institutions, a center for academic excellence in humanities and sciences, housed within the historic buildings of the piazza.
A military and religious order founded in 1561 by Cosimo I de' Medici, dedicated to fighting pirates and protecting Christian shipping in the Mediterranean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvels of Piazza dei Cavalieri
The Statue of Cosimo I de' Medici, a powerful bronze equestrian figure by Pietro Tacca, stands proudly in the center, symbolizing the Medici's authority over Pisa. The Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri church, also redesigned by Vasari, adds to the square's historical gravitas. Unlike the bustling crowds around the Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Cavalieri offers a more contemplative experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the grandeur and historical depth of Pisa's past without the overwhelming tourist throngs.
Beyond the main landmarks, the surrounding buildings and the overall layout of the piazza showcase Vasari's genius in creating a harmonious and imposing urban space. It’s a place where history feels palpable, inviting visitors to imagine the knights and scholars who once walked its stones. The architectural details are so rich that simply looking up can reveal a wealth of artistic expression.
Piazza dei Cavalieri: A Hub of Activity and History
These events highlight the piazza's enduring importance as a public forum. From solemn ceremonies to vibrant performances, the square adapts to the needs of the community. The presence of the Scuola Normale Superiore ensures a constant influx of young energy, making it a dynamic blend of ancient history and modern academic life. This duality makes Piazza dei Cavalieri a fascinating place to experience, offering more than just a photo opportunity.
Whether you're admiring the architecture, attending an event, or simply enjoying a coffee at a nearby cafe, the piazza offers a unique perspective on Pisa. It's a place where the past and present converge, providing a richer understanding of the city's cultural fabric.
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