conventuale

Updated: May 18, 2025

Stephen, Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri; next to it is the beautiful palace of the Anziani, later the Palazzo Conventuale dei Cavalieri, rebuilt by Vasari.

Edward Hutton - Florence and Northern Tuscany with Genoa: With Sixteen Illustrations In Colour By William Parkinson: And Sixteen Other Illustrations, Second Edition

The Knights seem to have been of two kinds: the religious, who took three major vows and lived in the Conventuale under the rule of St. Benedict, and served the Church of S. Stefano; and the military, who might not only hold property but marry. Their cross is very like the cross of Pisa, but red, while that is white.

Edward Hutton - Florence and Northern Tuscany with Genoa: With Sixteen Illustrations In Colour By William Parkinson: And Sixteen Other Illustrations, Second Edition

Opposite to this is the marble Palazzo del Consiglio, also belonging to the Order of St. Stephen. The Knights of St. Stephen, to whom, indeed, the whole Piazza seems to be devoted, were a religious and military Order founded by Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, who sits on horseback in front of the beautiful steps of the Conventuale.

Edward Hutton - Florence and Northern Tuscany with Genoa: With Sixteen Illustrations In Colour By William Parkinson: And Sixteen Other Illustrations, Second Edition