The villages of Mugello: Scarperia

If you are in Mugello, passing through or to spend your holidays one of the villages that you absolutely must visit is Scarperia!

It will fascinate you with its centuries-old history closely linked to that of Florence.

I recommend starting the visit from the Fiorentina gate where you can still admire today the beautiful medieval walls that surround the whole center.

Along the main street you will arrive first in Piazza Clasio, then in Piazza dei Vicari. I recommend starting the visit from the latter dominated by the Palace of the Vicari, once governors of the city elected by Florence itself. The visit to the palace is almost a must!

It will amaze you with its frescoed rooms with, with the breathtaking views visible from the top of its tower and its walls.

Scarperia is also famous for its traditional production of knives, poetically called "sharp irons" in which the village specialized precisely because of its last bastion position that carried the travelers in the Middle Ages coming from the Florentine plain and who were preparing to walk the Hanging steps to stop here to stock up and also get a weapon to defend themselves.

In the castle, at the end of the route you will find the museum of sharp irons that will make you retrace the production chain of these beautiful tools. Don't miss the so called "zuave", typical small knives of this village.

Once out of the castle it is not over, what I advise you is to make a jump in the church in front and admire what remains of the old medieval frescoes and the works of Benedetto da Maiano, Matteo Rosselli and Mino da Fiesole, and then turn your attention to the oratory of the square, to the left of the church , richly decorated and very well preserved.

After the tour in Piazza dei Vicari return to Piazza Clasio. Here you will find some of the knives, or sharp iron manufacturers as they like to be called where you can buy these timeless knives and also, manufacturer permitting, witness their production.

It only remains for me to wish you a good visit to the beautiful village which is very small, so a half day might be enough to visit it.

Also if you want to deepen the knowledge of the village do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to guide you through the curiosities and events related to Scarperia.