In the hills of Vecchiano, you can also discover the site of an ancient Entruscan fortress and the ruins of the city walls which are now the premises of the local archeological think tank. The premises also include St Maria in Castello church. Moving down to the valley, you come across the ruins of Avane Castle which guarded the ford situated on the river Serchio and the beautiful town of Filettole. In medieval times, Filettole was a border town between Pisa and Lucca and is, to this day, overlooked by the old watch tower called the Mozza tower, a symbolic monument to the rivalry that has always exsited between the two ancient cities.

There are many churches and bell towers that are worth taking time to visit in Vecchiano, but the one that stands out the most is the Civic Tower of Vecchiano, the symbol of the area. The tower, situated in the main square, was first built at the end of the 14th century and then reconstructed in 1850. Of particular interest are the double and triple lancet windows.

Nearby Vecchiano, (following the road winds its way up the mountains near Pisa (Monte Pisano)), you can discover the splendid renaisance villas and the rennovated hot baths of San Giuliano. Visit the renowned Carthusian monastery of Calci, which is decorated with baroque frescos, sculptures and houses an interesting natural history museum. Admire the impressive towers of the Rock of Vicopisano which overlooks the surrounding plains. The tower was built by Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the cupola of Florence cathedral. Finally, you can go back up the Monte Pisano to the old village of Buti, where time has truly stood still.