In our constant quest for the unexpected corners of the beautiful land we call home, this week we'll bring you to a destination that, despite being probably the first thing that tourists see when they step off their plane, is very far away from their thoughts. The mountains that overlook the city of Pisa have been inhabited since antiquity and are home to many myths and legends. It's not easy to get there, you'll have to walk quite a bit but there is plenty to wet your appetite. In the Monte Pisano you can find the once mighty fortress that was nickamed the "eye of Pisa", an iconic place that gave rise to many legends, including the one on a hidden tunnel that would link it to the city, more than 6 miles away. There is a smaller hill nearby that was revered by Etruscans and home to many hermits in the Middle Ages, enough to make it famous all over Europe. The monasteries that gave refuge to the pilgrims on their way to Rome on the famous Via Francigena were crucial in keeping knowledge alive and passing down many fascinating legends on the holy men and women that lived there. Follow us on a very special day trip on the Monte Pisano, one of the least known treasures of Tuscany, one that is hidden in plain sight. In the episode you'll also get some practical advice, from guided tours that will get you on the best trails to a very special trattoria in a small village nearby that locals and adventurous foodies absolutely love. Let us know if you like this kind of episode or if you'd prefer we focus on other aspects of Tuscany. We're exceedingly easy to get in touch with - every feedback is greatly appreciated, as always.
Email: podcast@larno.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larno.it
Twitter: @arno_it / @WhatsupTuscany

LINKS TO SOURCES (ITALIAN ONLY)
https://www.montipisani.com/la-storia-dei-monti-pisani/monte-castellare-e-verruca-la-loro-funzione-di-monti-divini-dallantichita-sino-al-medioevo/
http://www.usserorivista.it/?p=86&cn-reloaded=1
https://www.luoghimisteriosi.it/toscana/verruca.html
https://www.azimut-treks.it/post/l-itinerario-migliore-per-visitare-la-rocca-della-verruca-sui-monti-pisani
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g580236-d1867657-Reviews-Trattoria_di_Montemagno-Calci_Province_of_Pisa_Tuscany.html

BACKGROUND MUSIC
Pipe Choir - Bom Bom Breakthrough Instrumental
Pipe Choir - The Opening Closing (Instrumental)
Incompetech - Leopard Print Elevator
Pipe Choir - A midnight on Jaquay Instrumental
Pipe Choir - Coffee and Time
Wayne John Bradley - Blues Rock Original Instrumental
All released under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
https://soundcloud.com/pipe-choir-2/pipe-choir-bom-bom-breakthrough-creative-commons-instrumental
https://soundcloud.com/pipe-choir-2/p-c-iii-the-opening-closinginstrumentalcreative-commons
https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1500077
https://soundcloud.com/pipe-choir-2/pipechoir-a-midnight-on-jaquay-instrumental
https://soundcloud.com/pipe-choir-2/p-c-iii-coffee-and-time-creative-commons-instrumental
https://soundcloud.com/ayneohnradley/blues-rock-original-instrumentalcreative-commons
http://www.pipechoir.com/