Piazza dei Cavalieri used to be an ancient forum in Pisa. Forums, in the Roman Empire, represented the center of cultural, social and political life in the society at the time. When Pisa was an independent republic this square was named "the seven streets" because seven streets merged in this place.
Even though this square may seem peaceful and laid back, numerous historical events occurred in this place. In 1406, in Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pier Capponi announced the end of freedom of the glorious republic of Pisa and its people. In 1561, Cosimo Medici formed Holy and Military order of St. Stephen, which was hosted in the buildings in the Cavalieri square.
This piazza is home to the Scuola Normale Superiore (Pisa Normal School), the Torre della Muda (made famous by Conte Ugolino’s tale in Dante’s Inferno) and the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri.
In front of the Palazzo della Carovana stands the statue of Cosimo I de'Medici, sculpted in 1596 by the Florentine sculptor Francavilla, based on the design by Giambologna.
