Panoramas & environment
Vicopisano's territory is included in the exquisite naturalistic context of Monte Pisano.
Monte Pisano is a mountain system that separates Pisa and Lucca, and its importance is given by its very ancient geological history, by its variegated natural ecosystem and by its privileged geographical position. Those mountains are all under 1000 metres of height. The highest peak, Monte Serra (917 m,) and the other mounts sourrounding the area offer the opportunity to admire - during the clearest days - evocative landscapes: northward we can find the Garfagnana's and Val di Nievole's territories, westward we can appreciate the proximity of the coast between Viareggio and Livorno; this wonderful view allow us to expand our gaze until the marine horizon where we can catch sight of the Tuscanian archipelago. Southwest it is possible to glimpse the little hills of Livorno and the Pisan hills, letting our sight go until Volterra.
Its special conformation makes it isolated and not well connected to the other mountains. This is the reason why this terriroty is unique as for the plant and animal life and suitable for a full contact with nature. Vicopisano is preferred by those who like to take a walk alone but, at the same time, by those who like to be escorted by our tour guides who can make you appreciate the secrets and the stories of this wonderful territory.
There are old paths that, from Vicopisano's village, lead to the olive tree groves, pine forests and chestnut orchards but also to some old religious buildings and archeological areas: Romitorio, Pieve di San Michele alla Verruca, Castello della Verruca. You can visit them guided by our skilled tour guides.
Traces of fossils and dinosaurs
Many historians and geologists think that the mountains of the Monti Pisani is one of the most ancient mountain formations in Italy: this is testified by the fact that the slopes of the mounts showed some well preserved traces. Those traces are uniques in the world for their colour and made in "flora fossile" (tree fern which has become a fossil) that can be associated to the Paleozoic era and, more precisely, to the Carboniferous era (from 340 to 290 millions years ago).
Other exceptional findings on rocks make the history of Monti Pisani even more fascinating and misterious: those are the tracks of the ancestors of the modern reptiles and amphibious that lived in these areas. In more recent periods, they give rise to the more famous dinosaurs.
Unpollued nature: explore the environment
Monte Pisano is interesting to visit for its precious environmental beauties: the presence of a rich local plant and wild life, alfalfa among others, make this ecological system abundant and well preserved. Those characteristics make this territory a small green island that you can explore anytime during the year, but also a natural green lung.
Thanks to their calcareous nature, the seepage is extended for most part of the mountains and, at the same time, it creates thermal and natural sources, warmed up thanks to the geothermal reaction. Two prestigious water mains had their origins from Monte Pisano: the Medicean one that transport water from Asciano to Pisa, and the Maria Luisa one ("Acquedotto Nottolini") that goes from the San Quirico's valley to Lucca.
The source of Uliveto Terme is something worthy of note because it's the spring of the famous brand of water that is now sold worldwide.
Protected areas of Vicopisano and Monte Pisano
From 2005 the territory is safeguarded by the Polo Ambientale del Monte Pisano e delle Aree Naturali Protette di Interesse Locale (ANPIL). Its aim is to increase the knowledge, the protection and the promotion of territorial resources to enhance the availability of the safeguarded areas. It also grants a sustainable "human presidium"of the district.
Vicopisano's mountain territory is guarded by the A.N.P.I.L. – Col di Cincia -Val di Noce.
Discover Vicopisano's itineraries and Monte Pisano: here you can choose between cycle touring, mountain bike and hiking, diving in natural, artistic and cultural routes.
Extra virgin oil is the green gold of Vicopisano. A deep bond connects Vicopisano's inhabitants and its oil.
A must-see mountain where you can benefit of a unique natural environment, rich cultural heritage, and a landscape that gather together the underlying plain, the hills of Livorno, the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea in just one view.
Nature, breathing and time: that's the secret to feel good. Taking a walk among nature is not only good for your health but it also frees your mind.
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