The Palazzo dei Vicari, located in the heart of Scarperia, is one of the most important buildings in Mugello, bearing witness to the long history of the village as the administrative center of the Florentine Republic. With its majestic architecture, facades adorned with coats of arms, and historical clock, the palace stands as a perfect example of a fortified noble residence, stylistically linked to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Today, it houses the Cutlery Museum, dedicated to the centuries-old tradition of knife-making in Scarperia. The construction of the palace dates back to the 14th century when the Republic of Florence decided to establish Scarperia in 1306 as a strategic outpost to control the routes towards the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. The palace was built as the seat of the Vicar, the governor sent by Florence to administer justice and local politics. Over the centuries, the building underwent various transformations and restorations, yet preserving its original structure. In the 17th century, the palace was restored after suffering damages during wars, and in 1929, it underwent a significant restoration that consolidated its structure. From 1306 to 1772, the Vicar of Scarperia held a prominent position, with responsibilities in justice and administration. These officials, appointed directly by Florence, served for six months and were tasked with maintaining order in the territory. Some notable Vicars were: - Francesco Salviati (1436-1478): future Archbishop of Pisa, involved in the Pazzi Conspiracy against the Medici. - Bartolomeo Panciatichi (16th century): known for his efforts in strengthening justice in Mugello. - Alessandro de’ Medici (17th century): a member of the Medici family who ruled Scarperia with rigor. The interior of the palace still displays the heraldic coats of arms of the Vicars who succeeded each other over the centuries, many of them in glazed ceramic, attributed to the Della Robbia family workshop. One of the most fascinating elements is the frescoed Madonna with Child, attributed to the school of Filippo Lippi. One of the most intriguing features of the palace is the ancient clock in the tower, crafted in the 18th century by the renowned clockmaker Filippo Brunelleschi. Although primarily known as an architect, Brunelleschi possessed great knowledge of clock mechanisms and designed this piece with a unique movement that still operates today. Inside the Palazzo dei Vicari lies the Cutlery Museum, dedicated to the historic tradition of knife-making in Scarperia. Since the Middle Ages, Scarperia has been renowned for the production of high-quality artisanal knives. The museum showcases traditional and working knives crafted by master knife-makers, ancient tools and machinery used for forging blades, interactive displays illustrating the manufacturing process. To this day, Scarperia is esteemed for its artisanal knife production, and many local workshops continue this age-old tradition.
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Reachable via the following routes

Route +2
Mugello Cycling Tourism
Gravel/Cycling Tour Route

Route +3
Low Valley Gravel
Route designed for Gravel enthusiasts