Vicopisano is a pretty town not far inland from Pisa. In medieval times it was a flourishing fortified centre of the Republic of Pisa. It was conquered by Florence in 1406.
The castle, easily visible from the road into the town was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built in 1434.
Pieve di Santa Maria is a 12th century church built in Romanesque style. It is the oldest church in the Vicopisano area. It was erected outside the walls of the town.
Traces of the 13th century frescoes are still visible, along with a few other interesting things.
A wooden Deposition from the Cross in the Apse dates from dates from early 13th century. It is a rare example, and almost all of the original figures are preserved. If I had realised its significance I would have taken a closer photo.
The building beside the church is lovely.
I arrived in the town around lunchtime so many business were closed, but it was pleasant to wander around on a warm spring day. Bits of the castle and some of the old towers are visible from many spots.
The old entrances to Vicopisano are impressive.
I had lunch at Testi, vegetarians look away now. It doubles as a butcher shop and steak is what it serves.
My steak was cooked perfectly and was delicious.
Vicopisano is a pretty, well kept town. It is well worth a visit.
Debra, the town looks lovely… but deserted?
By: Clive on May 15, 2024
at 4:35 am
As I said, it was lunchtime, so most shops were closed. I do try to take photos without people, not everyone likes to be photographed. There were people about and the town was well kept. The restaurant was full!
By: Debra Kolkka on May 15, 2024
at 4:43 am
The Tuscans really know how to do steak
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on May 15, 2024
at 4:53 am
They do indeed. I ordered the smallest one I could and it was still a lot.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 15, 2024
at 5:10 am
Seeing fragments of frescoes always gives me goosebumps.
By: Yvonne on May 15, 2024
at 8:21 am
I love them too.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 15, 2024
at 9:46 am
There is always another lovely town to find and you seems to seek them out. Love the photos Deb.
By: Kerry & Jim on May 15, 2024
at 8:58 am
There is much to choose from nearby.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 15, 2024
at 9:46 am
What an interesting town – and that restaurant! Peter would be in heaven – what are the little berries on the steak – pepper?
By: Jan on May 15, 2024
at 10:10 am
I didn’t eat the red things so I don’t know what they are.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 15, 2024
at 12:19 pm
Another place in Italy to dream about moving to…..
By: dcdinoto on May 15, 2024
at 12:59 pm
There are too many to visit all of them.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 16, 2024
at 4:51 am
Deb what a wonderful Post & how lucky are you to find all these places so close to you. Love all the photos & stories & especially fascinated about the restaurant doubling as a butcher shop.
By: Camillus Davall on May 15, 2024
at 9:25 pm
The butcher/restaurant is something I have seen a few times. There were lots of customers while I was there.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 16, 2024
at 4:52 am
My Husband Massimo’s home town … ❤
By: Paola Natalia Mori on May 16, 2024
at 12:17 am
It is a lovely little town!
By: Debra Kolkka on May 16, 2024
at 4:53 am
Look like pomegranate to me… they use it sometimes with steak.
And raisons with Sausage ..
Buon Appetito..
By: Paola Natalia Mori on May 16, 2024
at 12:22 am
Could be, I should have tried one.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 16, 2024
at 4:53 am
Dear Debra, I have been reading your gorgeous blog and following the changing seasons at Casa Debbio intently. I am wondering how does one go about renting the home and if there is a minimum amount of time one has to rent it for. Molti grazie!
Mrs. Derin Gemignani
By: Mrs. Derin Gemignani on May 16, 2024
at 9:56 pm
Thank you for your kind words! Casa Debbio is not available for rent this year. I can let you know if that changes.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 17, 2024
at 5:15 am
Hi Debra,
What a lovely, little town!
I know I’ve missed tons of great content.Sorry to have been away for so long. Sara and I recently moved back to the US from Ecuador. Long story.
I’m thrilled to see you still blogging!
Kathy
By: Kathy McCullough on May 17, 2024
at 6:02 pm
Nice to hear from you! Yes, I am still going when many I used to follow have given up.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 18, 2024
at 4:30 am