Along the Via Vicarese in the direction of Pisa is the hamlet of Noce, at the foot of the Verruca. The locality, documented since 970, is interesting for its conformation and the splendid natural setting of the Val di Noce (Col di Cincia). Several caves are recorded here, including the Grotta del Pippi. A Mediterranean-type climate also prevails in this part of the Monte, but with less humidity than on the northern slope. Extensive and beautiful maritime pine forests form the main cover, and herbaceous and shrubby plants can be found here. The fauna is also abundant and highly representative of the mountain in general: foxes, porcupines, badgers and beech martens, bats, wild boars, hares and hedgehogs. The presence of the quercus is certainly valuable.
In the past, Noce was owned by wealthy Pisan families (Del Mosca, Lanfreducci) who built residential and agricultural buildings there to manage their agricultural properties.
Today, Noce is characterised by the small church of San Domenico (dated 1639 by the plaque on the façade) and a series of buildings around the Lanfreducci-Upezzinghi villa, probably of 15th-century origin but thoroughly renovated in 1637, with a large courtyard.
From Noce, one can ascend towards the slopes of Mount Verruca, encountering a natural environment with olive trees, cypresses, maritime pines and the classic dry-stone walls (the traditional ‘grotti’ delimiting the crags of olive cultivation) that slowly give way to the low vegetation typical of stony terrain.
Info: 050796581
Vicopisano Tourism Office
turismo@comune.vicopisano.pi.it
www.vicopisanoturismo.it/en/