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Vicopisano and the monte Pisano

The medieval village of Vicopisano is nestled on the lower slopes of the Monte Pisano, a relatively undiscovered and beautiful area stretching from the Mediterranean Sea through charming valleys, rugged peaks and vine covered hills.

Vicopisano offers the visitor authentic Tuscan charm and character with its cobbled lanes, ancient churches, and hidden country paths.

A hilltop medieval fortress and watch tower designed by the renaissance engineer Filippo Brunelleschi stands guard over the village and surrounding countryside. The fortress is open to visitors at the weekends; a perfect place to spend a couple of hours exploring medieval dungeons, palace rooms and climbing the impressive watch tower, the small entrance fee includes a personal guided tour.

From May and throughout the summer months there are endless local festivals in Vicopisano and the surrounding villages of the Monte Pisano, the Sagre as they are known locally are nearly always themed around food, wine, dining al fresco and dancing under the stars. A wonderful experience for both adults and children alike, these are very traditional festivals, not often witnessed when visiting the more beaten tourist tracks of Tuscany.

The 1st weekend in September is the time for Vicopisano’s medieval festival when the streets are filled with stalls of objects to buy, taste and marvel at. Jousting competitions, men in tights and the famous tossing of flags all take place, in order to recreate the colourful history of times gone by.