Vicopisano between the Rocca and Monte Pisano

Vicopisano lies between the Arno River and Monte Pisano. Historic buildings in the town and trails in the mountain area give a stay different points of focus. The Rocca del Brunelleschi, the Pieve di Santa Maria and the Torre dell’Orologio reflect the area’s architectural history; old trails and routes for cycling, mountain biking and trekking turn the focus to landscape and outdoor activities. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether architecture, a spring event or activities in the mountain area should take priority.

Historic Buildings

The Rocca del Brunelleschi is a complex of medieval and Renaissance military architecture. Filippo Brunelleschi designed it in 1438. Its classification as a military complex offers a different perspective on the town’s history from the religious architecture of the Pieve di Santa Maria. Dating from the 12th century, it is a well-preserved example of a Pisan Romanesque church.

The Torre dell’Orologio was probably built in the 12th or 13th century as a military watchtower and is now used as a bell tower. Together, the three buildings illustrate different forms and historical functions: the military complex, the Romanesque church and the tower now used as a bell tower.

Visiting Hours and Events

The Rocca’s visiting schedule follows a seasonal pattern: from Capodanno Pisano on March 25 until the end of November, the complex is open to visitors every weekend. From December to March, it is open on the second Sunday of each month. As opening hours may change, check the current schedule before your visit.

The opportunity to visit the Torre del Soccorso and walk along its entire battlement walkway to the fortress core of the Rocca was introduced in September 2021. Check the current arrangements for this experience before your trip.

Vicopisano Castello in Fiore is an annual horticultural and plant fair held in spring. Since 2012, the fair has included the town’s historic streets and squares. If the event is important to your stay, it is worth checking the dates for that year’s edition when planning your trip.

Trails and Landscape around Monte Pisano

Old trails lead from Vicopisano through olive groves, pine forests and chestnut woods to historic religious buildings, archaeological sites and outposts. Along these trails, landscape and cultural history meet: wooded stretches and sections marked by olive groves lead to destinations with religious or archaeological connections.

The A.N.P.I.L. Col di Cincia–Val di Noce protected area lies in the mountain area of Vicopisano. The local conservation initiative has been in place since 2005. Routes for cycling, mountain biking and trekking are available both in Vicopisano and on Monte Pisano. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore; the routes described cover Vicopisano and Monte Pisano.

Two recurring events are worth distinguishing when planning your visit: the Rocca has a seasonal visiting schedule, while Castello in Fiore takes place every spring. If both are important to your trip, check the Rocca’s schedule as well as the dates of that year’s fair.

Discover more destinations: Caprona, Bientina, Guardistallo, Orciatico, Casino di Terra, Luciana, Navacchio, Fauglia.

For the broader travel overview: Pisa.