Although mentioned even by Dante in the 33rd canto of the Divine Comedy as the mountain for which “i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno” the territory of Montepisano remains largely unknown to most of the more than 2 million tourists who visit the two wonderful Tuscan art cities each year.
Yet Montepisano hides treasures that deserve to be discovered and known, without having to alter its environmental balance and the gentle rhythm of life of the inhabitants of its villages, still strongly cadenced by the succession of seasons that have in the period of the olive harvest their peak of vitality.
And extra virgin olive oil is the best known product of the area.
An oil that has always stood out for its fruity, slightly spicy taste, with a balance of flavor that is said to be influenced by the proximity of the sea and the slight saltiness carried by the mistral that blows lightly every summer evening.
Never scientifically proven to be influenced by brackishness, the fact remains that oil from the Mount is highly sought after precisely because of its special organoleptic characteristics; in the first weeks of autumn, when the dozens of kilometers of terraces come alive for harvesting, the area’s oil mills reopen their doors and are populated with small producers and people looking for the freshly pressed oil to enjoy the fresh scent and aromatic taste.
But the richness of Montepisano goes far beyond its main product.
Nature, culture and sports represent a mix of attraction and offerings that is rarely found concentrated in such a circumscribed area limited to only 15,000 hectares.
Traversed by a network of trails (RET Rete Escursionistica Toscana) about 300 km long, it represents a paradise for hikers, from the less experienced to the more ambitious; without necessarily reaching the summit of Monte Serra (917 m.a.s.l.), already from the trails that pass through forests of holm oak, chestnut and cork trees there are breathtaking panoramic glimpses of the plain of Lucca and the plain of Pisa to the sea and the Tuscan Archipelago.
Of great charm is the Via degli Acquedotti; from Pisa, walking along the Medici Aqueduct (17th cent.), across the mountain with possible overnight stay in one of the many accommodations, and then along the Nottolini Aqueduct (19th cent.) to Lucca, effortlessly, in a day and a half.
The rock gyms of the Vecchiano crags or the Buti via ferrata provide an opportunity for hikers seeking stronger thrills.
However, for those who enjoy a stay in the name of history and culture, there is no shortage of opportunities.
From the countless Pievi in Pisan Romanesque style (11th – 13th centuries) scattered throughout the territory, which can be visited accompanied by local guides along circuits that can also be traveled by bicycle, to the Certosa di Calci (14th century), a building of inestimable historical and architectural value that houses, among other things, the Museum of Natural History of the University of Pisa, one of the oldest in the world.
Also visitable are the Historic Villas, located on both sides of the Mount, almost all of which are still inhabited and built by Pisan and Florentine noble families from the 1400s until the 1800s.
And finally, the villages scattered on the ridges and in the valleys, where rhythms and economies far removed from urban habits still reign, many of which preserve fortresses and fortifications that even predate the Age of Commons: the Rocca del Brunelleschi in Vicopisano, the Rocca di Ripafratta, the ruins of Monte Castellare whose origins date back to Etruscan times.
The proximity of the Mount to the sea, no more than 20 km, the presence of the Serchio River and important lake basins among which Lake Massaciuccoli stands out, allows the most sporty to try their hand at many activities, not all so common and widespread.
Hiking and climbing have already been mentioned, but it is worth mentioning the possibility of canoeing among the gentler activities, as well as cycling and horseback riding; for thrill-seekers there is no shortage of opportunities with rafting and paragliding.
Where to learn more ?
How to organize a few days of relaxation in this small world in the center of Tuscany, between Pisa and Lucca, yet so little known ?
Where to stay and where to eat ?
In 2014, the Business Network of the same name was established on Montepisano with the aim of protecting and enhancing the area.
The Network aggregates some 30 small entrepreneurs in the area who offer hospitality, catering, local products, tour and environmental guide services, bicycle rentals and transportation for their guests.
These include the Montepisano DMC (Destination Management Company) incoming tour operator agency, which is responsible for welcoming and advising curious visitors.
www.montepisano.travel
Author: Mario Pestarini
