Scarperia
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Scarperia
Scarperia offers a good range of accommodation, reflecting its mix of medieval character and proximity to the Mugello Circuit. Most hotels are located either in the centre or in the surrounding countryside, offering convenient access to both the town and the nearby hills.
Hotel dei Vicari, set close to the Mugello Circuit, features modern rooms, a wellness area and a restaurant serving local cuisine, consistently praised for comfort and service (€€€). Locanda San Barnaba, within the historic centre, provides traditional rooms in a restored building, with a restaurant known for Tuscan dishes and friendly hospitality (€€). For a countryside stay, Poggio Savelli, situated a short drive from Scarperia, offers peaceful surroundings, private parking and well-equipped apartments ideal for longer visits (€€).
Hotel dei Vicari, set close to the Mugello Circuit, features modern rooms, a wellness area and a restaurant serving local cuisine, consistently praised for comfort and service (€€€). Locanda San Barnaba, within the historic centre, provides traditional rooms in a restored building, with a restaurant known for Tuscan dishes and friendly hospitality (€€). For a countryside stay, Poggio Savelli, situated a short drive from Scarperia, offers peaceful surroundings, private parking and well-equipped apartments ideal for longer visits (€€).
Where is
Where is Scarperia?
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The town of Scarperia is situated within the Metropolitan City of Florence province and has a population of around 12,000.
It stands at an elevation of 292 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Borgo San Lorenzo, Lake Bilancino and Barberino di Mugello. |
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Comune di Scarperia e San Pietro
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Province: Metropolitan City of Florence
Region: Tuscany Population: 11,979 (in 2024 - source) Size: 116 km² Elevation: 292 metres Fly to: Florence Airport - 46 minutes by car (43 km) Close by: Borgo San Lorenzo, Lake Bilancino, Barberino di Mugello |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Brillano Le Lame (The Blades Shine)
Listing headline: Brillano Le Lame (The Blades Shine)
What People Ask About Scarperia
Is Scarperia worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Scarperia?
How do I get to Scarperia?
When is the best time to visit Scarperia?
How long should I stay in Scarperia?
Related links
Discover
Discover Scarperia
Scarperia is a historic town in Tuscany, located in the Mugello Valley north of Florence. Set at around 290 metres above sea level, it lies on the plain between the Apennine Mountains and the Sieve River, surrounded by gentle hills and farmland. The town was founded in the fourteenth century by the Florentines as a fortified settlement, and its layout still follows a grid plan centred around the main square.
The Palazzo dei Vicari, with its tower and frescoed interiors, is Scarperia’s most prominent landmark and reflects its role as an administrative centre during the Republic of Florence. The Propositura dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo and several medieval gates add to its architectural character. Scarperia is internationally known for its tradition of knife-making, a craft that continues in workshops and museums throughout the town. It also lies close to the Mugello Circuit, one of Italy’s major motor-racing venues, and has convenient road and rail links to Borgo San Lorenzo, Barberino di Mugello, and Florence.
The Palazzo dei Vicari, with its tower and frescoed interiors, is Scarperia’s most prominent landmark and reflects its role as an administrative centre during the Republic of Florence. The Propositura dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo and several medieval gates add to its architectural character. Scarperia is internationally known for its tradition of knife-making, a craft that continues in workshops and museums throughout the town. It also lies close to the Mugello Circuit, one of Italy’s major motor-racing venues, and has convenient road and rail links to Borgo San Lorenzo, Barberino di Mugello, and Florence.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Scarperia
- Centro Storico di Scarperia is a historic Tuscan town where narrow streets wind among stone buildings, elegant façades, and medieval towers. Terracotta rooftops, arched gateways, and flower-filled balconies add warmth and colour to the architecture. The town sits in the Mugello region north of Florence, surrounded by gentle hills and green valleys. Its atmosphere blends the lively energy of a local hub with the timeless charm of medieval heritage.
- Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo stands prominently in Scarperia, with a graceful façade and a peaceful interior. Inside are baroque altars, frescoes, and finely crafted wooden details that reflect local artistry. The church remains central to religious life and community events. It’s a serene place to visit while exploring the town’s historic streets.
- Piazza dei Vicari serves as the social and cultural heart of Scarperia, edged with grand buildings, shops, and cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and community celebrations. Outdoor seating offers views of the surrounding medieval architecture. The square reflects the vibrant yet relaxed rhythm of life in the Mugello.
- Palazzo dei Vicari dominates the town centre, an impressive medieval palace with crenellated walls, towers, and a façade covered in noble coats of arms. Inside are frescoed halls, historical exhibits, and displays related to Scarperia’s renowned knife-making tradition. The palace’s tower offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. It’s a highlight for history enthusiasts and photographers.
- Guided artisan and cultural tours in Scarperia introduce visitors to the town’s historic knife workshops, architectural heritage, and local traditions. Local guides share stories about medieval governance, craftsmanship, and the town’s role in the Medici era. Tours often include visits to artisan studios where knives are still crafted by hand. It’s an excellent way to connect with the cultural richness and unique identity of Scarperia.
Tours and Activities
Scarperia Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Scarperia Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Scarperia
By Rail: Scarperia does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in San Piero a Sieve, about 5 kilometres away, on the Florence–Borgo San Lorenzo line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect San Piero a Sieve to Florence in approximately 45 minutes and to Borgo San Lorenzo in about 10 minutes. From the station, Scarperia can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus.
By Road: The town is located in the Mugello area of northern Tuscany, surrounded by hills and countryside. From Florence, the distance is around 35 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 45 minutes via the SP503 road or the A1 motorway to Barberino di Mugello, followed by local routes. From Bologna, the journey is approximately 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the Mugello Circuit.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is located in the Mugello area of northern Tuscany, surrounded by hills and countryside. From Florence, the distance is around 35 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 45 minutes via the SP503 road or the A1 motorway to Barberino di Mugello, followed by local routes. From Bologna, the journey is approximately 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the Mugello Circuit.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Peretola Airport: Located about 40 kilometres from Scarperia, with a driving time of around 45 minutes. It provides domestic and European flight connections.
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: Approximately 90 kilometres away, the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It offers a wide range of international and domestic routes.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Roughly 110 kilometres from Scarperia, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes. It serves numerous European destinations and seasonal intercontinental flights.
Private Transfers
Scarperia Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a convenient and comfortable way to reach Scarperia or continue your journey to other destinations in Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to coordinate public transport or drive through winding rural roads yourself.
From Scarperia, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, while longer routes are also available to Pisa International Airport and Perugia Airport. They are also ideal for shorter trips to nearby towns such as Borgo San Lorenzo, Barberino di Mugello, and Vicchio, or for travelling further across the Mugello area and wider Tuscany.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Scarperia, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, while longer routes are also available to Pisa International Airport and Perugia Airport. They are also ideal for shorter trips to nearby towns such as Borgo San Lorenzo, Barberino di Mugello, and Vicchio, or for travelling further across the Mugello area and wider Tuscany.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
