Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, Church in Knights Square, Pisa, Italy.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Pisa).
Torre dei Gualandi
102 m
Palazzo della Carovana
54 m
Palazzo dell'Orologio
108 m
Palazzo della Sapienza
249 m
San Frediano
198 m
San Sisto
143 m
Statue of Cosimo I
61 m
Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici
96 m
Palazzo del Collegio Puteano
105 m
Church of St. Rocco
106 m
Torre del Campano
198 m
Collezioni egittologiche dell'Università di Pisa
129 m
Santa Cecilia
223 m
Palazzo del Podestà
137 m
Palazzo della Canonica
81 m
Santa Apollonia
103 m
Santa Eufrasia
220 m
Palazzo Poschi
148 m
Casa Agostini
173 m
Palazzo Tobler
95 m
Biblioteca universitaria di Pisa
241 m
Casa Pierucci
212 m
Borgo Stretto
235 m
Edicola della Madonna di Pompei
131 m
Complesso ex Salesiani
248 m
House of Vincenzo Galilei
247 m
Palazzo del Capitano
86 m
Plaque to Leopardi
224 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes