Best castles around Cascina are found in a region rich with history, strategically located in the Arno valley between Pisa and Florence. The area is characterized by its historical fortifications and defensive structures, reflecting centuries of strategic importance. Visitors can explore a landscape marked by medieval architecture and ancient settlements. This historical context provides a unique backdrop for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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A medieval town with charming streets and climbs. Buildings full of history.
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On the top of Monte Verruca, at 537 meters above sea level, an ancient and decaying fortress dominates the Pisan plain and the Arno valley. According to legend, there is a connection – underground and secret – between the fortress and the center of the city of Pisa.
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The complex is definitely worth a look. Not only because of the leaning tower, but also because of the cathedral, for example, is beautiful.
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The tower is part of the city wall and probably derives its name from the Lombard = catana (small ditch). There was a moat here that once additionally secured the Plazza del Duomo from intruders.
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The profile of the fortress that joins the steep wall ... a unique spectacle with the Pisan mountains in the background. the fortress of Caprona is a destination absolutely to be reached. The road to get there is not long and can be traveled on foot or by MTB.
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The Verruca fortress rises in the municipality of Calci, in the province of Pisa, on the top of Monte Verruca. It can be reached by following the Firenze-Pisa highway, exiting at Cascina, then continuing towards Vicopisano. From the village, take the 'strada della Verruca' which starts from the village cemetery. Although largely unpaved, it can be traveled by car up to the foot of the rock where the Rocca stands. From here you can walk up to the top in about 20 minutes. Source: https://castellitoscani.com/verruca/
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Lari is famous for its Castello dei Vicari, located at the top of the hill and in the center of the city. This interesting fortress was started around the year 1000 in a strategic point of the Arno valley and grew in splendor until 1400, when it began to host the Vicars, i.e. the magistrates who had the task of administering a large part of the Pisan territory on behalf of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Today, after being restored, it is open to the public and hosts conferences, meetings and exhibitions, as well as guided tours, entertainment, concerts, theater, wedding ceremonies and other initiatives for groups and school parties. Timetable: 01.01 — 31.03 and 01.11 — 31.12: Saturday and holidays from 10.30am to 12.30am and from 3pm to 6pm 01.04 — 31.05: Monday-friday from 3.30pm to 7pm. Saturday and holidays from 10.30am to 12.30am and from 3.30pm to 7pm 01.06 — 30.09: Every day from 10:30am to 13:00pm/3:00pm to 7:00pm 01.10 — 31.10 Monday-friday from 3pm to 6pm. Saturday and holidays from 10.30am to 12.30am and from 3pm to 6pm Full price ticket €4.00 Guided tour on booking €5.00 Reduced ticket and school parties €3.00 For reservations or other information, tel 0587 687116 or mail to info@castellodilari.it
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This is the Rocca del Brunelleschi, commissioned to the architect Filippo Brunelleschi after the village besieged for eight months by the Florentines, had been definitively conquered by them against the city of Pisa. The victory for Florence had been very important and had to be maintained over time: Vicopisano covered a decidedly strategic area thanks to the confluence of the Arno river which connected it to Pisa and the Auser river which put it in communication with Lake Sextum and therefore with the Lucchesia. . In 1435 the project was entrusted to Filippo Brunelleschi who showed his idea to the government commission through a project made of wood and clay; the project gathered enthusiasm and work began immediately which drastically changed a large part of the town of Vicopisano. The existing tower was modified with the aim of being impregnable and autonomous in terms of water and food.
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Around Cascina, you'll find a variety of defensive structures rather than traditional grand castles. These include the well-preserved Medieval Walls of Cascina, which showcase centuries of construction techniques, and the unique Abbey of San Savino, a fortified religious settlement with Lombard origins. You can also visit the imposing Verruca Fortress, which offers panoramic views, and the restored Castle of Lari.
Yes, The Castle of Lari (Lari Fortress, Pisa) is a restored historical site that hosts guided tours, exhibitions, and various events. It's a great way to delve deeper into the region's history.
For breathtaking views, visit the Verruca Fortress, which sits atop Monte Verruca and overlooks the Pisan plain and Arno valley. Another excellent spot is the Upezzinghi Tower (Caprona Tower), a remnant of a castle that once dominated the Arno valley up to Pisa.
Yes, sections of Cascina's medieval walls are still standing and can be explored. They offer a tangible reminder of the town's strategic past and its role in conflicts between Pisa and Florence. You can observe various construction techniques and get a glimpse into the ancient town's layout. More information can be found on Visit Tuscany.
Many of the sites are suitable for families. The Castle of Lari is particularly family-friendly, offering guided tours and events that can engage younger visitors. The Upezzinghi Tower and Torre di Catallo are also categorized as family-friendly, providing interesting historical contexts without overly strenuous exploration.
The area around Cascina offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous gravel biking routes, such as those in the Gravel biking around Cascina guide. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Medieval Towers of Vicopisano – Buti loop' in the Cycling around Cascina guide. Mountain biking trails are also available, including the 'Great Bench of the Verruca – Lombardona Climb loop' from the MTB Trails around Cascina guide.
Yes, for example, the Verruca Fortress can be reached via a path from the 'strada della Verruca' starting near the Vicopisano cemetery, taking about 20 minutes to walk to the top. The Torre di Caprona is also connected to the Verruca Fortress by a scenic path, making it a popular destination for excursions in the Pisan mountains.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and historical sites around Cascina. Temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. Summer can be hot, while winter might be cooler and potentially rainy, though some sites like The Castle of Lari maintain specific opening hours during these seasons.
Parking availability varies by site. For Verruca Fortress, you can drive up the 'strada della Verruca' to the foot of the rock, where parking is available before the final walk to the top. For The Castle of Lari, parking is typically available within the town of Lari.
The Abbey of San Savino is unique because it's a fortified religious settlement, combining a long history of monastic life with military fortification. Originally Lombard, it features Pisan Romanesque architecture, ancient artifacts like an Etruscan funerary stone used as a holy water stoup, and a 13th-century cloister with a cistern, offering a rare blend of spiritual and defensive history.
For individual sites like The Castle of Lari or Verruca Fortress, allow 1-2 hours, especially if you plan to take a guided tour or hike to the top. Exploring the Medieval Walls of Cascina and the Abbey of San Savino could take another 1-2 hours each. A full day would allow for a comprehensive exploration of a few key sites.
Yes, Brunelleschi’s Fortress of Vicopisano was commissioned to the renowned architect Filippo Brunelleschi in 1435. His design significantly transformed the town of Vicopisano, making the existing tower impregnable and self-sufficient in terms of water and food.


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