A masterpiece of art and military engineering, so it has been called the fortress of Vicopisano.
We are in 1406 and Vicopisano, a small medieval town, now enclosed within the province of Pisa, played a key role in proximity to the two rivers Serchio and the Arno, used as roads.
When Florence won the hamlet, was commissioned Filippo Brunelleschi in person to design the fortifications of Vicopisano.
The ingenious architect designed many solutions that allowed them to close the enemy access roads and escape. A durable system that could also lose a "piece" of the fortification while keeping others and allow also to withdraw and survive in the tower.
Inside the Tower were the warehouse of victuals, the control room, the Armory and the captain's apartment, environments which are still visible today. A deep moat without water, so that the enemies we fell in, defended the fortress, which was accessible via a small drawbridge.
From the top of the Tower opens the spectacle of nature, it is possible to admire the panorama that stretches from Pisa and Florence, to the mountains of Lucca and the hills around.
The monumental complex of the fortress of Brunelleschi is open to visitors every weekend from Pisan new year's day, celebrated on March 25 according to the Pisan calendar, until the end of November. From December to March is open every second Sunday of the month at the following times:
-Saturday from 15.30 to 19.00;
-Sunday from 10 am to 12.30 and from 15.30 to 19.00
For further information please contact the tourist office of Vicopisano:
via Lante 50
+ 39 050796581
turismo@comune.vicopisano.pi.it
Photo Credits [iltirreno.gelocal.it]
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