Palazzo della Carovana

Palazzo della Carovana, a standout on Pisa’s Piazza dei Cavalieri, is a Renaissance palace redesigned by Giorgio Vasari (1562–1564). Its sgraffito façade, elegant pilasters, and heraldic emblems reflect the prestige of the Knights of St. Stephen. Today it houses the Scuola Normale Superiore, one of Italy’s elite universities, lending the site an academic atmosphere. Visitors can admire the exterior, the statue of Cosimo I, and the harmonious square once rivaling the Campo dei Miracoli in civic importance. It’s a worthwhile stop for architecture enthusiasts and travelers exploring Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower.