One of the most beautiful architectural objects of the city is Palazzo della Carovana built in the 16th century. Originally the palace belonged to the Knights of the Order of St. Stephen. A distinctive feature of the historic building is a luxurious facade with sgraffiti elements. Several beautiful ancient sculptures can be seen on the adjacent territory. The palace houses one of the universities of Pisa. In days free from lectures tourists can enroll on guided tours of the historic building.
An equally interesting cultural facility is Opera del Duomo Museum. It occupies a unique 12th-century building, which formerly housed a theological seminary. Many unique artworks brought from Pisa Cathedral and numerous luxurious city palaces are collected inside the historic building. Besides works of art, the museum can offer collections of ancient national costumes, antique frescoes, and sculptures. The age of some exhibits is more than 500 years.
In Pisa, there is a wonderful Botanical Garden, which is another historical symbol of the city. Founded in the 16th century by one of the local researchers, today the botanical garden is one of the oldest not only in Italy but also in the world. By the end of the 16th century, a specialized botanical university was established here.
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