Palazzo  della  Carovana

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 30 December 2023
The Palazzo della Carovana is one of the most striking buildings in Pisa city centre. It was designed by Giorgio Vasari and finished in 1564, as a headquarters of the Knights of Saint Stephen, a military order established by Cosimo I de Medici to fight the Turks. 

Nowadays home of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, it's flanked by the Torre dell'Orologio and the Chiesa Santo Stefano.
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The Palazzo della Carovana, also known as the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, is a stunning Renaissance palace located in Pisa, Italy. It was designed by the renowned architect Giorgio Vasari and built between 1562 and 1564.

The palace originally served as the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen, a religious and military order founded to defend against pirates and Muslim corsairs in the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, the palace underwent various changes in ownership and usage. Today, it houses the Scuola Normale Superiore, a prestigious university and research institution.
Key features
  • Overview: ​The Palazzo della Carovana is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, characterized by its grandiose facade and artistic decorations.
  • Facade: The most striking feature of the palace is its elaborate facade adorned with white and gray marble. The facade's design is characterized by a series of rusticated pilasters and decorative elements, creating a harmonious and visually appealing composition.
  • Coats of Arms: The palace facade is adorned with several coats of arms, including those of the Knights of St. Stephen, the Medici family, and other prominent figures from Pisa's history.
  • Courtyard: The inner courtyard of the Palazzo della Carovana is an impressive space with a monumental staircase leading to the upper floors. The courtyard is beautifully decorated with frescoes and sculptures, adding to the palace's artistic allure.​
  • Salone dei Novanta: One of the most significant rooms in the palace is the Salone dei Novanta, or the Hall of the Ninety, which was named after the ninety members of the Knights of St. Stephen. The hall's ceiling is adorned with a spectacular fresco painted by Giorgio Vasari, depicting a celestial scene with allegorical figures.
Visitor information
  • Location: The Palazzo della Carovana is situated in the heart of Pisa, within walking distance of the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Visiting Hours: The palace is primarily an academic institution and not always open to the public. However, certain areas, such as the courtyard and some parts of the interior, may be accessible during specific visiting hours.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Palazzo della Carovana may be available, providing visitors with insights into its history, architecture, and the significance of the frescoes and sculptures.
  • Accessibility: Visitors should be aware that access to certain areas of the palace may be restricted due to its function as an academic institution.
  • Conservation: The palace is a protected historical monument, and efforts are made to preserve its architectural and artistic heritage.
Palazzo della Carovana
City: Pisa

Province: Pisa

Region: Tuscany

Completed: 1564

​Architectural style: Renaissance

Close by: Piazza dei Cavalieri, Piazza Dante, Borgo Stretto

Recommended accommodation: Hotel di Stefano

Palazzo  della  Carovana​​  Gallery

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