Scarperia: History, Knife-Making and Historical Experiences

Scarperia between Piazza, Palazzo and Knife-Making

Scarperia is best understood through its history and the craft associated with the town. The Palazzo dei Vicari was built around the middle of the 14th century on the west side of what is now Piazza dei Vicari. The Museo dei Ferri Taglienti offers its own insight into the local tradition: it documents the centuries-old work of Scarperia’s knife-makers.

Knife-Making as an Engaging Experience

Outside the Palazzo, the Antica Bottega del Coltellinaio is part of the museum tour and can be visited with a guided tour by prior arrangement. The making of a knife is demonstrated there. The demonstration includes forging the blade and spring, shaping the handle from cattle horn, assembly, as well as sharpening and polishing. Guided visits in Scarperia are available exclusively by prior arrangement.

Historic Sites and Sacred Art

The town’s older buildings also lead into different chapters of its past. 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 oratory also houses the Madonna di Piazza by Jacopo del Casentino. If you would like to consider architecture, religious art and political history together, you will find several clearly distinct points of interest here for your tour.

Events Throughout the Year

Scarperia also displays its historic character during recurring events. The Aperitivi sui Merli take place every year from June to September on the battlements of the Palazzo dei Vicari façade. The Palio del Diotto takes place every year in Scarperia’s main square. During the Giornate Rinascimentali, Scarperia brings its past to life again every year.

Discover Scarperia on Routes

The cycling route “Pedalare fra natura e storia nel Mugello” passes through Scarperia. The route “Tra curve e tornanti del Passo del Giogo” leads from San Piero a Sieve via Scarperia and Passo del Giogo to Rifredo and Firenzuola. After Scarperia, the route climbs for 10 km to the 882-metre-high Passo del Giogo.

A Guided View over the Town

During a guided tour, you can climb the castle’s bell tower and visit the original location of the clock. Together with the museum tour, the Bottega and the historic buildings, this creates a programme made up of individual visits and events. You can decide for yourself whether the town’s history, knife-making, sacred art, an event date or a route should take priority for you.

Further orientation in the area: Ponzalla.

For the higher-level travel overview: Florence.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

San Casciano In Val Di Pesa, Palazzuolo Sul Senio, Impruneta, Fontanella, Marliano, Legri, Figline Valdarno.