Palazzo Agostini, also known as Palazzo dell’Ussero, is a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture in the heart of Pisa. Its characteristic brick façade decorated with coats of arms and plant motifs makes it unmistakable on the Lungarno. Inside are two gems: the Caffè dell’Ussero, a historic meeting place since 1775, and the Cinema Lumière, one of the oldest Italian cinemas still in operation.
• Brick façade with heraldic and plant motifs, a unique example of civil Gothic.
• Caffè dell’Ussero: founded in 1775, frequented by scientists and intellectuals such as Carducci and Pound.
• Cinema Lumière: screenings since 1899, first sound experiment in 1906.
• Hanging garden of citrus fruits already mentioned in the 15th century, a rarity in the historic center.
Events nearby
31/01/2026 - 02/06/2026
03/06/2026 - 07/06/2026
On Lungarno Pacinotti, a gem of civil Gothic architecture with a decorated brick façade. On the ground floor, Caffè dell’Ussero since 1775 and Cinema Lumière, the oldest cinema in Italy still in operation.
- Vicolo del Tidi, Pisa (PI)
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Evocative Introduction
On Lungarno Pacinetti, among the palaces of Pisa, one immediately catches the eye: Palazzo Agostini, with its reddish brick facade decorated. It is not just Gothic civil architecture – it is a treasure chest containing a historic café from 1775 and one of the oldest cinemas in Italy. Entering here is like diving into the past, with the life of Pisa flowing around.
Evocative Introduction
On Lungarno Pacinetti, among the palaces of Pisa, one immediately catches the eye: Palazzo Agostini, with its reddish brick facade decorated. It is not just Gothic civil architecture – it is a treasure chest containing a historic café from 1775 and one of the oldest cinemas in Italy. Entering here is like diving into the past, with the life of Pisa flowing around.
Historical Notes
The palace was built in the 14th century by the Astajo family, merging pre-existing tower houses. In 1496 it passed to the Agostini silk merchants, who still own it. On the ground floor, since 1775, the Caffè dell’Ussero has been open, a meeting place for scientists and writers. In 1905, the Cinema Lumière opened, one of the first in Italy. Today the palace houses the Accademia Nazionale dell’Ussero.
- 14th century – Construction of the palace
- 1496 – Acquired by the Agostini family
- 1775 – Opening of Caffè dell’Ussero
- 1839 – First Congress of Italian Scientists
- 1905 – Cinema Lumière opens its doors
Historical Notes
The palace was built in the 14th century by the Astajo family, merging pre-existing tower houses. In 1496 it passed to the Agostini silk merchants, who still own it. On the ground floor, since 1775, the Caffè dell’Ussero has been open, a meeting place for scientists and writers. In 1905, the Cinema Lumière opened, one of the first in Italy. Today the palace houses the Accademia Nazionale dell’Ussero.
- 14th century – Construction of the palace
- 1496 – Acquired by the Agostini family
- 1775 – Opening of Caffè dell’Ussero
- 1839 – First Congress of Italian Scientists
- 1905 – Cinema Lumière opens its doors
Gothic Jewel in Terracotta
The facade is a masterpiece: five pillars clad in decorative tiles with coats of arms and plant motifs, mullioned and three-mullioned windows in marble. The brick-red color comes from the masterful use of terracotta, typical of Pisan Gothic. Look closely: the building leans slightly to the right due to ground subsidence. An imperfection that makes it even more fascinating.
Gothic Jewel in Terracotta
The facade is a masterpiece: five pillars clad in decorative tiles with coats of arms and plant motifs, mullioned and three-mullioned windows in marble. The brick-red color comes from the masterful use of terracotta, typical of Pisan Gothic. Look closely: the building leans slightly to the right due to ground subsidence. An imperfection that makes it even more fascinating.
Caffè dell’Ussero: A Cup of History
Stepping into Caffè dell’Ussero is like sitting in history itself: Carducci, Montanelli, Ciampi, and many others have gathered here. The name? It comes from ‘ussero’, the Tuscan word for hussar. Today, it’s a historic café run by the Accademia Nazionale dell’Ussero. Grab a coffee or an aperitivo and take in the period furnishings. Time seems to stand still.
Caffè dell’Ussero: A Cup of History
Stepping into Caffè dell’Ussero is like sitting in history itself: Carducci, Montanelli, Ciampi, and many others have gathered here. The name? It comes from ‘ussero’, the Tuscan word for hussar. Today, it’s a historic café run by the Accademia Nazionale dell’Ussero. Grab a coffee or an aperitivo and take in the period furnishings. Time seems to stand still.
Cinema Lumière: Italy’s Oldest
At the back of the building, with an entrance from Vicolo dei Tidi, you’ll find Cinema Lumière – said to be the oldest cinema in Italy still in operation. It started screenings in 1899 in the café’s billiard room, then moved here in 1905. Even today, it shows films in an intimate, vintage atmosphere. A unique experience for movie lovers.
Cinema Lumière: Italy’s Oldest
At the back of the building, with an entrance from Vicolo dei Tidi, you’ll find Cinema Lumière – said to be the oldest cinema in Italy still in operation. It started screenings in 1899 in the café’s billiard room, then moved here in 1905. Even today, it shows films in an intimate, vintage atmosphere. A unique experience for movie lovers.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: Gothic architecture unique in Tuscany, with its terracotta decorations; the Caffè dell’Ussero, where you can sip a coffee immersed in history; and the Cinema Lumière, for a screening in a century-old hall. A place that offers three different experiences in a single building.
Why Visit It
Three good reasons: Gothic architecture unique in Tuscany, with its terracotta decorations; the Caffè dell’Ussero, where you can sip a coffee immersed in history; and the Cinema Lumière, for a screening in a century-old hall. A place that offers three different experiences in a single building.
When to Go
The best time? Late afternoon, when the low sun illuminates the terracotta facade, enhancing its colors. Then, before dinner, stop at Caffè dell’Ussero for an aperitivo with a view of the Lungarno. In autumn, with the soft light, it’s even more evocative.
When to Go
The best time? Late afternoon, when the low sun illuminates the terracotta facade, enhancing its colors. Then, before dinner, stop at Caffè dell’Ussero for an aperitivo with a view of the Lungarno. In autumn, with the soft light, it’s even more evocative.
Nearby
A few steps away, along the Lungarno, you’ll find other historic buildings such as Palazzo Blu (with temporary exhibitions) and the National Museum of San Matteo (with medieval sculptures). But don’t miss Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower: a walking itinerary that combines civic Gothic and Romanesque.
Nearby
A few steps away, along the Lungarno, you’ll find other historic buildings such as Palazzo Blu (with temporary exhibitions) and the National Museum of San Matteo (with medieval sculptures). But don’t miss Piazza dei Miracoli with the Leaning Tower: a walking itinerary that combines civic Gothic and Romanesque.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
It is said that during the restoration in 1895, an ancient trap door was discovered leading to a secret passage to the church of Sant’Ilario. Today, sitting at Carducci’s table at Caffè dell’Ussero, you can almost hear the echoes of the discussions from the first Italian Congress of Scientists in 1839.