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Blue Room (Archive)
The Sala Azzurra occupies the first floor of the Vasari-designed wing of Palazzo della Carovana, overlooking Piazza dei Cavalieri. It takes its name from the distinctive blue colouring applied to its walls and wooden ceiling coffering in 1929—the latter originally designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century. Today it serves as a principal reception room for the Scuola Normale Superiore and houses the institution's Historical Archive.
Hall of the Shields
The Sala degli Stemmi sits on the third floor of Palazzo della Carovana's oldest wing, overlooking Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa. Since the early 1930s, it has served as the principal venue for conferences and doctoral thesis defences held by the Scuola Normale Superiore. The room remains an important academic space within this historic institution.
Hall of the Grand Prior
The Sala del Gran Priore is one of the principal ceremonial rooms in the Palazzo della Carovana, occupying the southwest wing of the second floor with views across the Piazza dei Cavalieri. It now serves as the administrative headquarters of the Scuola Normale Superiore and retains a layered decorative scheme spanning from 17th-century Baroque frescoes through to 19th-century Neoclassical embellishments. What to see here reveals layers of Pisa's artistic evolution across three centuries.
Sgraffito Facade
The sgraffito façade of Palazzo della Carovana is the building's most striking feature, adorned with allegorical figures and zodiacal signs arranged rhythmically across its surface. Designed by Giorgio Vasari and executed between 1564 and 1566, these decorations serve a practical purpose: concealing the irregularities of the underlying medieval structures beneath a harmonious decorative scheme. What to see here exemplifies Renaissance craftsmanship at its finest.
Gallery of Busts of the Grand Dukes
Atop the façade of Palazzo della Carovana stands a gallery of marble busts depicting the Grand Dukes of the Medici family. Set within niches and added over time, these sculptures formed part of the Medici propagandistic programme. The collection features all the Grand Dukes except Gian Gastone, the dynasty's final ruler. What to see here offers genuine insight into Renaissance Florence's ruling family and their self-promotion through art and architecture.
Double Flight Marble Staircase
The grand marble staircase with its dual symmetrical flights forms the principal entrance to Palazzo della Carovana in Pisa. The two arms curve gracefully inward to meet at the building's entrance, creating a striking neoclassical composition. This monumental staircase stands as one of the most distinctive architectural features of the palazzo complex and merits a close look when you visit.
- 1.Blue Room (Archive)
- 2.Hall of the Shields
- 3.Hall of the Grand Prior
- 4.Sgraffito Facade
- 5.Gallery of Busts of the Grand Dukes
- 6.Double Flight Marble Staircase
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