Rocca del Brunelleschi e Palazzo Pretorio
Fortified complex in Vicopisano with the Rocca del Brunelleschi, the Torre del Soccorso and the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses finds from San Michele alla Verruca.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
After Florence conquered Vicopisano in 1406, the Republic had a fortress built around 1435, entrusting the works to the Opera del Duomo and the design to Filippo Brunelleschi. The architect added a new circuit of walls with towers around the hill; at its summit stands the rocca, which was used for military purposes until at least 1554. The complex was restored from 1998 onwards, while the Torre del Soccorso with its wall walk was recovered between 2017 and 2021.
The Palazzo Pretorio originated as a 13th-century building; after 1406 it became the vicarial palace, where the Florentine vicars administered justice and collected taxes. The Vicarial Court remained there until 1848 and the district Pretura until 1924. After restorations carried out in 1994–2002, it houses the Archivio storico, with the records of the Vicariato from 1532, and the old vicarial prison cells.
The visit includes the rocca, the Torre del Soccorso with its wall walk, the Palazzo Pretorio, the permanent exhibition of finds from San Michele alla Verruca, the prison cells and the archive.
Highlights
- Brunelleschi’s 15th-century fortress
- Torre del Soccorso with wall walk
- Vicarial prison cells in the Palazzo Pretorio
- Permanent exhibition of finds from San Michele alla Verruca
- Historic archive of the Vicariato from 1532
Permanent exhibition
- Reperti di San Michele alla Verruca – Permanent exhibition of material from the excavations at San Michele alla Verruca, in the Palazzo Pretorio.
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Comune di Vicopisano
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2groups of at least 10 people, children aged 10 to 14 and over-65s (excluding booked visits) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 9 · Free admission for children under 10, excluding school groups. |
| Seniors | €2Reduced rate for over-65s. |
| White ticket: Rocca only | €7Reduced €5. |
| Green ticket: Rocca and Palazzo Pretorio | €10Reduced €8. |
| Cream ticket: Rocca, Torre del Soccorso and wall walk | €12Reduced €10. |
The cheapest ticket (red, €3 standard and €2 reduced) is valid only for the Palazzo Pretorio. Group escorts enter free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visits at other times with the “Ippolito Rosellini” group; visits to the Torre dell’Orologio by booking through the municipal library (maximum 4 people per climb); visits to the village and hikes on Monte Pisano for groups through the tourist office. |
