Palazzo della Carovana
Palazzo della Carovana
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Palazzo della Carovana and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
744 within 3 miles
Attractions
198 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
134 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
56
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
0
backpacker31
Boynton Beach, FL5,880 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Located in Knight’s Square is this interesting building which is part of Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, one of the city’s universities. It dates back to the mid-16th century when it was built as the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. It’s unique exterior decor is called sgraffiti and features numerous allegorical figures.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margie D
York, PA1,801 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Located in Piazza dei Cavalieri, this amazing palazzo was a school for the Knights of the Order of St Stephen and now a part of the university. The facade of the building is a technique of etching a pattern before the surface has dried, called sgraffito. Worth the walk down from the Leaning Tower, only about 5-7 minutes
Written January 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingjohn123
Peterlee, UK3,120 contributions
Aug 2020
I suspect this building and square will be an accidental bonus to many as opposed to an attraction. On the walking route to the cathedral and tower, it is worth a few minutes to appreciate its splendour.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce
508 contributions
May 2016 • Family
My knowledgeable apartment host in Pisa told me that this building (or should I say Palace) is part of the University of Pisa with 'scuola normale superiore' translating roughly to 'higher normal school', only this 'normal' school is essentially for geniuses as the acceptance rate is a mere 6% per year.
With very notable alumni of this university including Giosuè Carducci and Enrico Fermi, this uni sits as part of the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the square that used to be the political centre during Medieval Pisa.
I don't think the public are allowed to go into the Palazzo della Carovana (not that I tried) but the facade of the building is beautiful enough, where a statue of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I also stands at the front.
With very notable alumni of this university including Giosuè Carducci and Enrico Fermi, this uni sits as part of the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the square that used to be the political centre during Medieval Pisa.
I don't think the public are allowed to go into the Palazzo della Carovana (not that I tried) but the facade of the building is beautiful enough, where a statue of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I also stands at the front.
Written July 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie1028
San Diego, CA1,937 contributions
Aug 2019
The Palazzo Della Carvona is palace in Knights' Square, Pisa, Italy. It houses the main building of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. It is well worth a visit, just to see its exquisitely etched facade. The original "graffiti."
Written October 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland30,976 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
Some beautiful old 1960ts cars parked in front of the building to add to the charm and beauty. Fantastic! Recommended!
Written September 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MandyMC
Canterbury, UK329 contributions
Aug 2019
This was a stunning building. Be patient and wait for people to pass for some great pictures. Watch out for the cars.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Borzov
Rijeka, Croatia5,290 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
The palace is also known as Palazzo dei Cavalieri, because it was built as a headquarters of the Knights of St Stephen in the 16th century, designed by Giorgio Vasari. Its magnificent facade is characterized by plaster decorations representing zodiac signs and allegorical figures and the row of busts of the Grand Masters of the Order. Today, the palace is the main seat of the Scuola Normale Superiore, one of the best universities of Italy.
Written October 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan W
London, UK1,260 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Large imposing building taking up most of one side of the Piazza Dei Cavalieri . We took a closer look at the large steps to the front that look like they should be somewhere else
Written October 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Bellflower, CA24,492 contributions
Aug 2016
Palazzo della Carovana (also Palazzo dei Cavalieri) is a palace in Knights' Square, Pisa, Italy, presently housing the main building of the Scuola Normale. It was built in 1562–1564 by Giorgio Vasari for the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. The name, meaning "Palace of the Convoy", derives from the three-year period undertaken by the initiates of the Order for their training, called "la Carovana", to fight against the pirates. During the Napolionic wars Napoleon converted the building in to a school and it is still occupied by the Scuola Normale.
TIP Check out the cool fountain
TIP Check out the cool fountain
Written June 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing