Discover the villages and churches of Monte Pisano by bike

From San Giuliano Terme we leave to Asciano: here we can admire the Medici Aqueduct that juts out from the mountain towards the city of Pisa with its 954 arches. It was built by the Grand Duke of Tuscany Ferdinando I de' Medici to bring water to all the fountains in the city. 

Once passed under the Aqueduct arches, the path to Vicopisano meets the Pieve di Santa Giulia, which rises from a green field like a jewel of the Pisan Romanesque style,  the Torre di Caprona whose story is told by Dante Alighieri, the Thermal Park of Uliveto with the small parish church of S. Martino al Bagno, the historic village of Noce: we are in the area of Pisan ceramics, highly valued since Roman times. 

Once in Vicopisano we will allow ourselves a relaxing break in one of the various cafes or bistros, after visiting the small medieval village with its Brunelleschi Tower. Here comes the most demanding part of our route: the climb to the "Rocca della Verruca", the highest point of our tour. From up there, the descent along the trails will be pure fun and adventure. 

Descending from the top of the mountain, we will reach our next stop: the "Certosa di Calci", a monastic complex founded around 1300. Today it hosts the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of the Monumental Monastery. "Terra & Aroma", a new bistrot with all genuine food and drinks, will be the best spot to enjoy the postcard landscape starring the mountain towering behind the monastery, and maybe plan (a visit to the two Museums for the following day).

On the way back we will meet some other beautiful parish churches, but above all, at the end, we will have experienced the atmosphere of the small villages and people who live in Monte Pisano area!

At the end of the excursion it will be possible to rest and relax at the thermal baths of San Giuliano.