Tuscany – Day 7.
Best viewed large, if you have time, thank you.
Situated in Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights’ Square) this palace – Palazzo della Carovana - has a impressive façade designed by Giorgio Vasari. It was built in 1562-64 for the headquarters of the Knights of St Stephen. The name, meaning ‘Palace of the Convoy’ comes from the three-year period of training (or cadetship or apprenticeship) required on joining the Order. This period was called ‘la Carovana’.
One place I wanted to visit in Pisa, more than the Campo dei Miracoli which I had visited in my first trip to Tuscany, was this Piazza dei Cavalieri which had triggered my curiosity. And I wasn’t disappointed.
In front of the building is the statue of Cosimo I de Medici which was commissioned by his son Grand Duke Ferdinando I, in 1596. The monument was to celebrate Cosimo as the first Gran Master of the Order of the Knights of St Stephen.
Pisa was one of the strong three powers that dominated the medieval ages in Tuscany together with Florence and Siena.
Thank you so much for looking and for the wonderful comments and the fav's on yesterday's picture.
a wonderful shot of this place!!! love how you got it all in. I did read the word yesterday as basker, just have sen having a big problem with this spell check. even just now, it is trying to change it. Thanks for the info. I am glad to know what they are called.
