Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri (St. Stephen of the Knights Church), Pisa

Visiting Pisa is a rich and rewarding experience, as it is steeped in history and full of beautiful buildings. One not to be missed is the Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri on Knight’s Square. The church was built in 1569 on the site of the former 11th century church of San Sebastiano alle Fabbriche Maggiori. Commissioned by Cosimo di Medici, it was built by Vasari and Fortini for the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. The white marble façade was designed by Don Giovanni di Medici and Pieroni. Vasari designed the bell tower which was built later by Fancelli. The building was added to and altered over the centuries; the final changes were made in 1859 when the Oder was abolished.

The interior of the church features many banners won by the Order in their endless wars against Saracen pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. The main altar was built by Silvani, behind which a marvelous statue representing San Stefano as Pope with representations of Faith and Religion, sculpted in 1709 by Foggini. The wooden ceiling was placed in 1604 and has six painted panels depicting historic events of the Order. These panels were painted by Allori, il Cigoli, Ligozzi, and l’Empoli. The pulpit was built by Fancelli in 1627 and is decorated with paintings by Lomi. There are five monochrome paintings executed in 1588 showing stories of San Stefano, Pope and Martyr. The font was designed by Vasari and built by Fancelli in 1568. The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament was added in 1837 by Galli.