Propositura dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo

The Propositura of Saints Jacopo and Filippo in Scarperia, located in the heart of the historic Piazza dei Vicari, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the religious and cultural history of Mugello. Its foundation dates back to the 14th century when the parish of Scarperia, expanding due to the increasing role of the vicariate and its community, decided to equip itself with a church of greater size and prestige. The Propositura thus became the spiritual center of Scarperia, a place of worship that stands solemnly and beautifully in front of the Palazzo dei Vicari, a symbol of temporal power, almost representing the duality between religious and civil power facing each other. The building, renovated and expanded several times over the centuries, represents an extraordinary example of the evolution of medieval and Renaissance religious architecture. The church is particularly renowned for its magnificent bell tower, which rises above the square with its slender structure and elegant Gothic lines. This bell tower, dating back to the 14th century, is a visible landmark from much of the town and the surrounding area, symbolizing spirituality and tradition. The Propositura of Saints Jacopo and Filippo is also a custodian of valuable works of art. Among the treasures that adorn the church, frescoes and paintings from different eras stand out, including the splendid altarpiece by Matteo Rosselli, depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints Jacopo and Filippo, located on the main altar. The precious wooden choir, rich in carvings and artistic details, further enriches the interior, while the central nave, with its elegant columns and wooden beamed ceiling, retains the charm and spirituality of a place that has seen generations of devotees pass through. The church is located within the context of Piazza dei Vicari, an important square in the town that has always played a central role in the life of Scarperia over the centuries. The great symbolic value of the Propositura is amplified by the context of this square, which enhances its importance as a center of religious and cultural aggregation, in perfect symmetry with the nearby Palazzo dei Vicari, which for centuries has embodied the temporal and administrative power of the area. Next to the church is the nearby Oratory of Madonna dei Terremoti, a small but significant place of worship that preserves a centuries-old tradition linked to the events of the territory. The Madonna, venerated for her protection, is considered by devotees as an intercessor in natural disasters, and for this reason, the oratory was built following catastrophic events that marked the history of Scarperia. The proximity between the Propositura and the Oratory reflects the strong connection between faith and popular devotion, which has always characterized the life of Scarperia. Throughout its history, the Propositura has played a fundamental role in the events of the vicariate of Scarperia, an important administrative and religious entity that has influenced the development of the Mugello territory. Numerous illustrious figures have been linked to this church, including the architect Giovanni di Francesco, who contributed to the restoration and modifications of the building.

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