Palazzo della Carovana

The Palace of the Caravan, also known as the Palace of the Knights, is one of the most iconic buildings in Pisa, located in the historic Piazza dei Cavalieri. This splendid Renaissance palace was designed by the architect Giorgio Vasari between 1562 and 1564, commissioned by Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. Vasari transformed the previous Palace of the Elders into a monumental building intended to become the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen, a religious and military order established to defend the Tuscan coasts from pirates and Muslim corsairs. The facade of the palace is one of the most fascinating and representative features of the Italian Renaissance. Vasari, known for his skill in combining architecture, sculpture, and painting, adorned the facade with sgraffiti representing allegorical figures and zodiac signs. These decorations were executed by Tommaso Battista del Verrocchio and Alessandro Forzori between 1564 and 1566. The facade is further embellished with marble busts of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, created in different eras by artists such as Ridolfo Sirigatti, Pietro Tacca, and Giovanni Battista Foggini. The name “Palace of the Caravan” derives from the exercises (“caravans”) that the knights had to undergo as part of their military training. The square and the building therefore served not only as an administrative seat but also as a training ground for the members of the order. The interior of the palace is no less impressive. Among the prominent features, we find the monumental double-ramp marble staircase, added in 1821 by Giuseppe Marchelli. The interior houses several frescoed rooms decorated with stuccoes, including the Hall of the Ninety, so named in honor of the ninety members of the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. This hall is decorated with a Vasari fresco depicting a celestial scene with allegorical figures. In 1810, during the Napoleonic rule, the order was suppressed and the palace was destined to the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, founded by Napoleon himself. Since then, the palace has become a center of academic excellence and research, welcoming students and scholars from around the world. The Scuola Normale Superiore has significantly contributed to the preservation and enhancement of the palace. Over the years, various restoration works have been carried out to preserve the delicate decorations of the facade and the artworks inside. Among these, important maintenance works were carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries to protect the sgraffiti and sculptures from atmospheric agents. The Palace of the Caravan is located in the heart of Pisa, a short distance from other historical attractions such as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Its central location makes the palace easily accessible for visitors who wish to explore the rich architectural and cultural history of the city.