Noce
Noce: a charming village at the foot of Monte Verruca
Physical geography
Noce is a hamlet of the municipality of Vicopisano, located in the province of Pisa, in Tuscany. The village is situated along the provincial road 2 Vicarese, which connects Pisa with Vicopisano and is located between the towns of Uliveto Terme and Lugnano (Vicopisano). The main feature of the village are the Grotte di Noce, formed by a rocky cliff of limestone caverns, among which stands out the Grotta del Pippi. The village is surrounded by Monte Verruca, one of the hills of the Monti Pisani.
History
The village of Noce has a long history that dates back to the 10th century, when it was mentioned in a document from 970. Over the centuries, it was part of the territory of numerous Pisan families, such as the Del Mosca, Lanfreducci, Lanfranchi and Upezzinghi, who developed its economy through the construction of agricultural buildings. In the 18th century, the village and its limestone caves were studied by Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti, while in the 19th century they were studied by Professor Paolo Savi.
Monuments and places of interest
Noce is a village rich in monuments and places of interest. The Church of San Domenico, a small church located in the center of the village, was built in 1639 and is part of the parish of Uliveto Terme. Villa Rita, formerly Lanfreducci-Upezzinghi, dates back to the 15th century and includes a large courtyard and a hall with 16th century decorations by Agostino Ghirlanda. Around the villa there are other ancient buildings used for agricultural purposes.
Piana di Noce
Even further downstream from the village of Noce is the Piana di Noce, a location on the banks of the Arno, mainly known for its artisanal, commercial, and industrial activities.
In conclusion, visiting the village of Noce means immersing oneself in an authentic Tuscany, rich in history and natural beauty. Its limestone caves, churches, and ancient villas are just a few examples of the typical art and architecture of this territory. A breathtaking scenery extends in front of visitors, with nature harmoniously blending with the art and history of the place.
