Pisa and its territory

Pisa is the city of Galileo and the Miracles square with its famous Leaning Tower and the monumental Cathedral Complex. Its province offers so much more besides and it really requires a few days to visit all its attractions. You'll be impressed by the territory quite diversifed in its landscape and scenery. Recommended excursions: The pisan plane, is dotted with several small towns which were found in the late Middle Age as fortified outpost of the city. The towns which have best preserved their medieval character are the castles bordering the plain towards the foothills in the north: Vicopisano, Buti, S. Maria a Monte. Vicopisano known for the imposing fortress overlooking the confluence of two important rivers, the and the Serchio connecting once Vicopisano and Pisa to the see. Vicopisano followed Pisa until the Florentines conquered the entire Pisan valley and town in 1406. Its castle designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (the Florentine Renaissance architect planning the Florentine Cathedral Dome) was built in 1435. Following the Brunelleschi project the fortification also englobed an ancient tower dating back to the 12th century. Today, the “Rocca” is opened to guided tours for the public from March to the end of November. In the nearby of Vicopisano the township of situated on the slopes of the “Pisan Mountains” (Monte pisano) in front of the coastal plane of Pisa. One of the many interesting sights to see in this area is the Parish church of St John and Ermolao of the 12th century and the Certosa di Pisa (Charterhouse of Pisa). It was founded in 1366 in a small valley named the Val Graziosa (the Gracious valley) situated at the foot of the “Pisan Mountains”.

In the Lower Valdarno: Montopoli Val d'Arno and al tedesco. San Miniato, like most of the Pisan territory, shows clear signs of the importance it held during the medieval period. It became the seat of the imperial vicars and many german emperors resided here as Federico Barbarossa in 1178, the emperor Henry IV, Otto VI and Federico II who had the Rocca built here in 1240 (From this derives its name- San Miniato al Tedesco). The imposing profile of San Miniato is still dominated by the Tower of Federico II placed on top of its hillside and offering to visitors an impressive panoramic view.

Volterra dominating the Cecina Valley from its hillside, 70 Km outside Pisa. It is one the towns richest in Etruscan and Roman monuments. was originally known as Velathri (that is the name the Etruscans used for it). Volterra, the etruscan metropolis, is at once visible in its city walls, the celebrated Porta all'Arco and in the archaeological Guarnacci museum. Close to the Etruscan Arch, in San Giovanni square are located the Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and facing it, the Baptistery. Volterra, the medieval city, still lives in its towers, palaces, churches like other great architectural monuments and masterpieces to be found in the town center. Volterra is also known for its alabaster and onix crafts a centuries-long tradition which is kept alive in the shops and studios of the old town. The handcraft manufacture of these materials makes Volterra famous all over the world even in our time.

Take a walk in the Park The natural Park of Migliarino-San Rossore- Massaciuccoli extends along the Tyrrhenian coastline of the province of Lucca and Pisa. The park covers approximately 23.000 hectars and it was set up in 1979 with the aim of safeguarding and preserving the value of a natural patrimony of enormous importance. In the various areas of the Park, visitors can find services and other facilities such as picnic, fishing and camping areas, horce races, boat trips and much more....