The wine roads of the The Pisan hills

Museums in Pisa

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

Tourist Information office Pisa: +39.050.56.04.64 email

Tourist Information office
Airport: +39.050.50.37.00

Flight information: +39.050.50.07.07