Scarperia

Scarperia between the Palazzo and Knife-Making Craft

Scarperia combines an impressive local history with a knife-making tradition that remains clearly recognisable to this day. The Palazzo dei Vicari was built around the middle of the 14th century on the western side of what is now Piazza dei Vicari. This provides a specific starting point for exploring Scarperia, at a place where the town’s historical development can be understood particularly clearly.

Cultural History around Piazza dei Vicari

The Museo dei Ferri Taglienti documents the centuries-old work of Scarperia’s knife-makers. This craft is brought particularly vividly to life at the Antica Bottega del Coltellinaio, which, outside the Palazzo, forms part of the museum tour. During a demonstration, the production of a knife is shown step by step – from forging the blade and spring and shaping the handle from cattle horn to assembly, sharpening and polishing. The type of visit is important for such insights: guided tours in Scarperia are available exclusively by advance booking. During a guided tour, you can also climb the castle’s bell tower and view the original location of the clock. The Antica Bottega del Coltellinaio can be visited as part of a guided tour booked in advance. Anyone visiting Scarperia because of its history should therefore take this restriction into account when planning their visit, rather than treating the museum tour as a freely accessible stand-alone attraction. The religious buildings also add to the historical picture. The Propositura of Scarperia was founded in 1326. The Oratorio della Madonna di Piazza dates from 1320; the vicars’ formal inauguration ceremony took place there. The Oratorio also houses the Madonna di Piazza by Jacopo del Casentino. In this way, several centuries and different aspects of the town’s history can be brought together within a compact cultural focus.

Festivals, Aperitifs and Renaissance History

Scarperia showcases its traditions not only in its museum and churches. The Palio del Diotto takes place every year in Scarperia’s main square. During the Giornate Rinascimentali, the town brings its past back to life every year. From June to September, the Aperitivi sui Merli are also held every year on the battlements of the Palazzo dei Vicari façade. Each of these events has its own emphasis: the Palio is part of the main square’s events calendar, the Giornate Rinascimentali highlight the town’s past, and the Aperitivi combine a seasonal occasion with the Palazzo dei Vicari.

Routes beyond Scarperia

Scarperia is also included in routes through the Mugello. The cycling route “Pedalare fra natura e storia nel Mugello” passes through Scarperia. For motorcycle or car tours, “Tra curve e tornanti del Passo del Giogo” describes a route from San Piero a Sieve via Scarperia and the Passo del Giogo to Rifredo and Firenzuola. After Scarperia, the route continues along a 10 km-long ascent to the 882 m-high Passo del Giogo. This makes it possible to combine the town with a cultural and historical visit or with a route whose onward course explicitly leads over the pass. For your further research: Ponzalla, Fontanella, Sant'Ansano, Marradi and Le Quattro Strade.

For the overarching travel overview: Florence.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Diotto and medieval festival in Scarperia - Holidays in Tuscany (Italy), Flower Festival in Scarperia - Holidays in Tuscany (Italy), Scarperia - travelling and accommodation in Tuscany (Italy).