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must-visit in PisaSquare & Landmark

Piazza dei Cavalieri

📍 Piazza dei Cavalieri, Santa Maria, Porta a Lucca, Pisa, Toscana, 56126, Italia
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Italy, Pisa
Category
Square & Landmark
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
Piazza dei Cavalieri, Santa Maria, Porta a Lucca, Pisa, Toscana, 56126, Italia
Coordinates
43.7195, 10.4001

Introduction

Piazza dei Cavalieri is the second main square of old Pisa, on the north bank of the Arno and a short walk from the better-known Piazza dei Miracoli. It was once the political centre of Pisa and later the seat of the Order of Saint Stephen, from which it takes its name. The square is surrounded by important buildings, most notably the Palazzo della Carovana, remodelled by the architect Giorgio Vasari and now home to the Scuola Normale Superiore, alongside the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri and a building with a clock tower. The square is orderly and quiet, with well-kept paving and façades, and makes a good stop after the Leaning Tower to see another layer of the old town's history.

✨ Highlights

01
Palazzo della Carovana
The palace remodelled by Vasari has a façade covered in patterns and now houses the Scuola Normale Superiore—the square's central building.
02
Church of Santo Stefano
The church is tied to the history of the knightly order, and its furnishings and trophies recall Pisa's seafaring past.
03
Former seat of power
The square was once Pisa's political and governing centre, and its layout still reflects that former status.
04
Quiet, orderly square
Compared with Piazza dei Miracoli it is less crowded, with well-kept paving and façades—good for a calm walk and photos.

🛈 Practical Info

→Suggested time：30–45 minutes; about an hour with the surrounding walk
→Best season：Mild in spring and autumn, good for walking the old town
→Note：Some buildings are schools or offices; keep quiet while visiting
→Opening Hours：The square is open all day; buildings follow their own hours
→Transportation：Walk from Piazza dei Miracoli or the banks of the Arno

💡 Tips

• It is a short walk from the Leaning Tower, so it fits into the same morning.
• Most of the school buildings are not open to visitors, so focus on the façades and the square.
• The square is quiet and a good place for a short break between sights.
• In the late afternoon the light on the façades gives photos more depth.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Piazza dei Cavalieri?

The square is open all day; buildings follow their own hours

Any practical tips for visiting Piazza dei Cavalieri?

It is a short walk from the Leaning Tower, so it fits into the same morning. Most of the school buildings are not open to visitors, so focus on the façades and the square.

How long should I spend at Piazza dei Cavalieri?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.