Pisa Squares & Plazas

Known as the the Field of Miracles, or Campo dei Miracoli, this large area is filled with lush green grass and four impressive medieval structures – the Leaning Tower, Holy Land Cemetery, Baptistery and Cathedral. All four are considered fine examples of Italian monumental art from the 11th to the 14th century. This area was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Piazza dei Cavalieri was developed in 1560, later becoming the site of the Order of the Knights of Stephen. These knights had the task of defending the coastline from possible invasions by other nations, particularly the Turks. Today many handsome Renaissance buildings remain, including the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri and the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, the historic training quarters for knights. The Scuola Normale Superiore is now in the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, an educational institution originally founded by Napoleon in 1810 that now focuses on doctoral degrees in the disciplines of philosophy, mathematics and literature.