Pisa Palaces Walking Tour (Self Guided), Pisa

As you continue your acquaintance with Pisa, you will notice that there is a lot more to see here than just a "leaning" landmark. Indeed, just like Italy in general, this particular Tuscan city boasts a glorious heritage of wonderful palaces, fit to transport you back in time.

The most beautiful palaces in Pisa are found on both sides of the Arno River, forming a multi-colored ribbon of facades. This palatial ribbon, albeit colorful, is in no way pompous, but elegant and pleasing to the eye.

During the reign of the Medici, the city was embellished: old palaces were “prepped up” and new ones appeared. There are currently about 40 of them well worth a visit, including:

Palazzo Arcivescovile (Archbishop's Palace) – the municipal seat of the archbishop of Pisa since 1472.

Palazzo della Carovana (The Convoy Palace) – the former headquarters of the Knight Order of Saint Stephen; whilst there is no particular architectural complexity to this building as such, its facade is of value.

Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici (Council of the Twelve Palace) – one of the most beautiful buildings in Pisa; another former property of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen.

Palazzo delle Vedove (Widows Palace) – somewhat unassuming, the building was once inhabited by the Medici family's elderly female members – widows – hence the name.

Palazzo Blu (Blue Palace) – named for the blue color of the plaster, characteristic of St. Petersburg’s 18th-century palaces; painted in honor of the distinguished guests from Russia arrived in 1773.

To visit these and other historic palaces in Pisa and to learn their fascinating story, take our self-guided walking tour.