Vicopisano

Vicopisano is a small community not very far from Pisa in the Northern part of Tuscany. Today we explored this historic town centre.
It has many elements that are similar to the dozens of other fortified hilltop towns but each has its unique aspects and special features. For us the special aspects have been the welcoming community and today our visit to Rocca del Brunelleschi.

Walking up the street on our way to visit the Rocca. No flat easy sections around this town.

When we reached the Defensive tower stronghold there was an amazing collection of coats of arms and flags.

When we went in we first looked at the displays in the museum and visited the old prison that dates from when the Rocca was constructed. To get up the tower this was the preliminary set of steps. Constructed so they could be easily demolished in case of attack they stayed intact for our visit.
Each level had one large room for a specific purpose such as cooking, sleeping etc. The very lowest level was for water storage.

                         Rob in the weapons room. Note the special medieval footwear!

Once we reached the top we had spectacular views. This is looking down the valley and out into the new town.

At one point the tower is linked to another tower that was on the Arno River so that they could be re provisioned in times of seige, It is a very strong defensive style with deep dry moats, drawbridges, points for dropping hot pitch and rocks and plenty of armour like crossbows

We climbed about six very long ladders to reach the top but it was as good as any castle visit! There was just the two of us with a guide who was the chief historian and archaeologist.

                     We returned "home" for a rustic lunch of prosciutto and melon.

After an afternoon of jobs and siesta we returned to town to check out other places.

                                                  Another of the towers in the town
The tower only dated from the 15th century but the attached Palazzo Pretorio dates from the 13th century. We also visited the Santa Maria Church from the 12th century.