Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri

Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri is a church on Knights Square in Pisa with a white marble facade and architectural details designed by Don Giovanni de Medici and Alessandro Pieroni. A bell tower by Giovanni Fancelli rises above, and three historical organs are installed inside.

Construction began in 1565 under Grand Duke Cosimo de Medici to serve the Order of Knights of Saint Stephen. It replaced an earlier church from 1074 that had occupied the same location.

Inside, captured naval banners from Mediterranean battles hang on the walls, while six wooden panels tell stories of the Knights of Saint Stephen's major moments. These objects show what the order valued and how it saw itself.

The church is best visited as part of guided walking tours through Pisa, where you can explore its architecture and interior in context. It is helpful to check opening times in advance, as they may adjust for religious holidays and local events.

The wooden ceiling added in 1604 features painted panels by notable artists including Allori and il Cigoli, documenting military victories. These artistic works reveal how the order wanted to present itself through elaborate visual storytelling.

Location: Pisa

Inception: 1565

Architects: Giorgio Vasari

Architectural style: Mannerist architecture

GPS coordinates: 43.71932,10.40095

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26