A natural stage
Starting from the square in Vicopisano or the small village of Cucigliana, a three-hour walk takes you to Mount Verruca:
this rocky spur, crowned by the majestic ruins of theancient fortress, guardian of the mountain's passes and the Pisan's plain, thanks to its dominant position over the surrounding plain, the hills and the sea, it still offers us an overall view of rare beauty.
A fundamental strategic point of the Pisan Republic, it has always played a role of primary importance, contested by the Pisans and the Florentines. They knew the fundamental lookout function of this fortress. From the Verruca, in fact, a visual triangulation is possible between Pisa and the castle of Vicopisano, which is connected with the castle of Buti and the entire Pisan Lungomonte, otherwise covered from the view of Pisa.
The Verruca is located on a cliff of Verrucano boulders, placed almost vertically to the ground, forming the natural base of the fortress. It stands out from all the other mountains near Pisa and it has always been the subject of legends, certainly generated by the conditioning that this place arouses in the observer.
From up there you can enjoy a breathtaking view: during clear days you can admire the sunset, from Livorno's coast to the Apuan Alps with suggestive reflections on Lake Massaciuccoli.
Today, the summit of La Verruca is a popular destination for hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. There are many trails on Vicopisano's and Calci's sides that wind more or less gently through olive, chestnut and holm-oak woods, pines and Mediterranean scrub to the fortress at the summit.
Unforgettable sunsets
An excellent destination for excursions in all seasons, it rewards the visitor with evocative sunsets at sea where, on clear days, it is easy to make out the islands of Gorgona and Capraia and, further away, the outline of Corsica.
An environment rich of history
A fundamental strategic point of the Pisan Republic has always played a role of primary importance, contested between the Pisans and the Florentines who well knew the important lookout function of this Fortress.
From the Verruca, in fact, a visual triangulation is possible between Pisa and the castle of Vicopisano, which in turn is connected with the castle of Buti and the entire Pisan Lungomonte, otherwise covered from the view of Pisa.
See also:
Our routes
Digital maps and routes
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Please contact theVicopisano tourist office to book your tourist guide!
simona morani
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