CHURCH ST. STEPHEN DEI CAVALIERI IN PISA

Church Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri in Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa 8

The first stone of the church was laid on 17 April 1565 by Cosimo I de 'Medici, the Square of the Knights of the renewed public space buyer for the Order of Knights of St. Stephen, founded by Grand Duke to combat piracy in the Turkish Mediterranean. Designed by Giorgio Vasari, in December 1569 the church was consecrated.
The bell tower was added between 1570 and 1572: featuring an elegant belfry with three lights.

In the following century it was decorated with most of the paintings that still are exposed, painted by the greatest masters of the XVII century.
The altar and nave were designed by Pier Francesco Silvani.
Between 1683 and 1691 they were built two lateral bodies, used as dressing rooms and warehouses of the Knights.
Today the church is part of the state property and it houses memorabilia, flags and lights removed from the Turkish and pirate ships throughout the centuries XVI - XVIII. The large wooden ceiling presents works dedicated to businesses and to glory of the Order of Santo Stefano.
From January 2014 to its interior it has officially started the construction site for the reconstruction of the roof of the church.

CHURCH ST. STEPHEN DEI CAVALIERI IN PISA

PORTALE PISA, ITALY, Pisa