 This
area went through a period of great growth during the 10th
century, and the former 'vicus' (that in ancient Latin means
'undefended place') changed into 'castellus', an inhabited
area sheltered by fortifications and center of various activities.
In the beginning the town was subjected to the Episcopal
authority of Pisa. During the 12th century Vicopisano became
an important stronghold of the military defensive organization
of the Republic of Pisa. In 1406 the town fell under Florentines
rule. Due to its strategic location, Vicopisano was strongly
fortified by the Florentines as well, who charged the great
architect Filippo Brunelleschi with its taste. As from then,
the town became a possession of the domination of Florence,
that was aware of its importance and let it become the seat
of a vicariate. Afterwards, the changing of the political
conditions as well as the removal of the boundary-walls
from the river Arno during the 16th century, let Vicopisano
slowly change into an agricultural center.
In the photo: The Brunelleschi
tower on the city walls. From here starts the curtain chained
with the Rocca.
HOW TO REACH VICOPISANO:
Coming from Florence, and taking the speedway that connect
the cities of Florence, Pisa and Leghorn (SGC FI-PI-LI),
it is advisable to choose the exit "Pontedera-Ponsacco".
Then it is worth opening into the state road SS67 that skirts
the town of Fornacette, following the indications leading
to Vicopisano, that is about 3 km from Fornacette.
Coming from Pisa, it is possible to reach Vicopisano taking
the above mentioned SGC FI-PI-LI, reaching Cascina and then
opening into the country-road "SP Vicarese", along
which the town of Vicopisano rises.
Coming from Florence and travelling along the A11, it is
worth leaving the speedway at Altopascio, following the
indications leading to Bientina, and there after to Vicopisano.
The town of Vicopisano is about:
30 km from Lucca
18 Km from Pisa
30 km from Montecatini Terme
30 km from Livorno
65 Km from Firenze
50 km from S. Gimignano
45 km from Volterra
90 km from Siena
120 km from Arezzo
162 km from Grosseto |
The
wine roads of the The Pisan hills
