Knights' Square: The Historical and Cultural Heart of Pisa
Piazza dei Cavalieri is the second most important square in Pisa, after Piazza del Duomo. In medieval times, it was the political center of the city, known as "Piazza delle Sette Vie" due to the numerous streets that converged there. In the 16th century, Cosimo I de' Medici commissioned the architect Giorgio Vasari to transform the square into the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen, a military-chivalric order dedicated to the defense of the Catholic faith. Today, the square hosts buildings of great historical and architectural significance, including the Palazzo della Carovana, home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, and the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. In the center of the square stands the statue of Cosimo I, a work by the sculptor Pietro Francavilla. Piazza dei Cavalieri represents a perfect blend of history, art, and culture, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of Pisa.
