Palazzo della Carovana of Pisa – an architectural work by Giorgio Vasari

History and description

Built between 1562 and 1564 to the design of Giorgio Vasari, commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici to house the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen, the Palazzo della Carovana stands on the remains of the pre‑existing Palazzo degli Anziani. Externally, it is distinguished by a medieval façade richly decorated with graffiti depicting allegories and zodiac signs, as well as sculptures including the coats of arms of the Medici and the Knights. It also features a double‑ramp marble staircase and a tunnel connecting the palace to the Normale library. Inside, it preserves several rooms frescoed or decorated with 19th‑century stuccoes, enriched by works of 16th‑century artists from Vasari’s school. Today, the palace serves as the main seat of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, one of Italy’s most prestigious universities.

Curiosities

The name of the palace derives from the three‑year novitiate of new members, who had to undergo training in the handling of weapons to take part in the carovane (caravans) organized to repel pirate attacks.

Access

As it is a university building, the palace is not regularly open to the public, but it can be visited during FAI (Italian Heritage Fund) days or on special cultural events.

How to reach it

Located in Pisa’s historic center, the building is easily reachable on foot once inside the city.

Considered one of the most beautiful architectural works in Pisa, the Palazzo della Carovana is an unmissable stop when visiting the city.

Photo credits: Zairon (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0