The Knights' Square

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  • Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Map
  • Timings: 10:00 am - 09:00 pm Details
  • Phone: +39050-910111
  • Time Required: 01:00 Hrs
  • Tags: Landmark
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Pirates and cannibals, knights and warfare, as you walk through the magnificent Piazza dei Cavalieri, you will be inundated with stories of the squares exciting past. Today, it is peaceful and quiet but once upon a time, this square was the throbbing, beating heart of the city. As you explore the Piazza, you’ll get the chance to experience firsthand the spacious Renaissance style town planning. Pisa is a dream for students of art and history, and is home to numerous universities and colleges, many of which are present within the Piazza dei Cavalieri. This square was once called the Square of the Seven Roads but was converted into the seat of the Knights of St. Stephen, thus the current day name. Today, the Piazza serves as a ground where minds joust, rather than lances.

The Piazza was independent Pisa’s political centre, with buildings such as The Palace of the People and the Elders and The Captain of the People serving as public offices. This is where Pisans would discuss their problems and celebrate their victories! Towards the south of the Square, stood offices and law courts. The Square has always been prominent throughout Pisa’s history and even post integration, it was transformed into the meeting point for the Order of Saint Stephen, a military order founded in 1561. The order was permanently abolished but this Piazza stands as testament to its hay days, when the knights would fight Ottoman Turks and Mediterranean pirates.

As you walk back from the Piazza deiMiracoli, the Old Towns narrow winding roads will bring you to this large, open Square framed by stunning palazzos and countless other gems. . You won’t be able to see much of the original Square as after Pisa lost their independence, the Square was revamped by architect Giorgio Vasari, with more modern Renaissance styling. The Church of St. Sebastian was replaced by the Church of the Knights of the Holy and Military Order of St. Stephen and palatial palazzos line the streets. Today, you will be greeted by The ScuolaNormaleSuperiore  di Pisa and its libraries and various other departments.

Compared to the Square of Miracles, this Piazza is calm and peaceful, away from bustling tourists. A beautiful fountain gushes at its center, beneath a statue of the Grandmaster of the Order of the Knights. Behind this, looms the Palazzo dellaCarovanadeiCavalieri- home to an elite university founded by Napolean Bonaparte, and the Palazzo dell’Orolgio which comprises of two towers connected by bridge. In the famous Dante’s Inferno, it’s within the confines of one of these towers where Count Ugolini was left to starve to death, along with other the men of his family upon whose corpses the Count fed on. The Church of St. Rocco, the Palazzo del CollegioPuteano, the Canonica and the Muda Tower are among the numerous austere, grey stoned buildings that will meet you here. Feel free to explore the Piazza and learn more about its history and mysteries.

The Knights' Square Travel Tips

  • Check out the front of the University building has elaborate decoration (graffiti).
  • Be sure to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities in the Square.
  • There may still be some scaffolding left from the renovations of the buildings.
  • Photography isn’t allowed so keep your cameras away.

How to Reach The Knights' Square

  • The Knights’ Square is in Pisa’s university quarter on the edge of the medieval city center. It lies a short walk south of the Piazza dei Miracoli.
  • Take a walk through the medieval town center to get here or jump on a bus at the station.

  • Ristorantealle Bandierine (Italian, Seafood/Moderate)
  • Ristorante La Pergoletta (Italian/Expensive)
  • Osteriadei Cavalieri (Italian/Moderate)
  • Grand Hotel Duomo (Italian, Continental/ Expensive)

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Pisa before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Pisa and book an accommodation of your choice.

  • The Knights' Square Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri, 56126 Pisa, Italy
  • The Knights' Square Contact Number: +39050-910111
  • The Knights' Square Timing: 10:00 am - 09:00 pm
  • Best time to visit The Knights' Square(preferred time): 11:00 am - 08:00 pm
  • Time required to visit The Knights' Square: 01:00 Hrs
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  • 59.04% of people who visit Pisa include The Knights' Square in their plan

  • 36.5% of people start their The Knights' Square visit around 11 AM - 12 PM

  • People usually take around 1 Hr to see The Knights' Square

Monday, Thursday and Sunday

73.9% of people prefer walking in order to reach The Knights' Square

People normally club together Piazza Del Duomo and Palazzo Blu while planning their visit to The Knights' Square.

* The facts given above are based on traveler data on TripHobo and might vary from the actual figures

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