St. Peter a Sieve

San Piero a Sieve is a village of ancient origins, whose traces of human settlement date back to the Paleolithic. Its strategic position, along the ancient Passo dell'Osteria Bruciata, made it a fundamental crossroads for connections between Florence and Bologna for centuries.

In the Middle Ages it became a commercial and military hub of great importance, and under the rule of the Medici family it became a nerve center of Florentine politics and architecture. Cosimo I de' Medici raised his grandsons Lorenzo and Giuliano here and ordered the construction of two of the most imposing structures in the area: Villa del Trebbio and Fortezza di San Martino.

Today, San Piero a Sieve is an ideal place for those who want to discover an area rich in history, art and nature, perfect for an excursion among medieval villages, historic villas, panoramic walks and local traditions.

What to see in San Piero a Sieve

⭐ Bosco ai Frati Convent

One of the oldest monasteries in Tuscany, probably founded in 600 AD by the Ubaldini family and then donated to the Franciscans in 1202.

This convent, which has experienced alternating events between abandonment and restoration, lived its golden age in 1400 under the protection of the Medici. Michelozzo enriched it with a portico with columns, a sacristy, a cloister and a bell tower, while the interior is developed on a single nave with cross vaults in pietra serena.

Works not to be missed:
A wooden crucifix attributed to Donatello (1460)
A small museum of sacred art, with vestments and furnishings donated by the Medici

⭐ Medici Villa of Trebbio (UNESCO Heritage)

One of the oldest Medici residences, built in the 14th century and later transformed by Michelozzo on the orders of Cosimo the Elder.

This fortified villa dominates the Mugello landscape with its crenellated tower, massive walls and Italian garden. The large panoramic terrace offers a breathtaking view of the valley.

Curiosity: In 1476, during a plague epidemic, Amerigo Vespucci found refuge here.
It is surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

⭐ Fortress of San Martino

Built in 1569 by Cosimo I de' Medici, this imposing fortress was intended to protect Florence from raids.

Designed to be self-sufficient in the event of a siege, it had:
✔ Water tanks
✔ Windmills
✔ Armouries and furnaces for melting cannons
✔ Kitchens, prisons and a small chapel

Although it cannot be visited inside today, walking around the area you can admire the majestic walls and the view of the Sieve valley.

⭐ Villa Adami

An elegant 16th century building, built by the Medici and purchased in 1805 by the Adami family.

Its real jewel is the seventeenth-century garden.

⭐ The Historic Center and the Pieve of San Pietro

The historic center of San Piero a Sieve is a charming place, with medieval streets and hidden corners that offer panoramic views.

The Pieve di San Pietro, founded in 1018, is one of the oldest churches in Mugello, with a Romanesque structure with three naves.

Artworks inside:
Terracotta baptismal font by Luca della Robbia
Wooden crucifix from the 16th century attributed to Raffaello di Montelupo
Coat of arms of the Medici family painted in the six corners of the nave

⭐ Events and Traditions

· Sculpture Symposium (September): an event created in 2003 to pay homage to the sculptor Antonio Berti. Every year at the beginning of September it hosts students from Italian and European Fine Arts Academies, for the creation of a sculptural work with a block of pietra serena from the quarries of Firenzuola.

· Via degli Dei: San Piero is a fundamental stop on the Via degli Dei, the famous hiking trail that connects Bologna to Florence through the Apennines.

· Weekly market: Saturday afternoon

Scarperia: The Village of Sharp Irons and Medieval Traditions

Scarperia is a charming medieval village, founded in 1306 by the Florentine Republic to protect the trade route between Florence and Bologna from attacks from the north. Its strategic position along the ancient Via Bolognese made it a fundamental point of passage for merchants, armies and travellers for centuries.

The city is famous for its centuries-old tradition of crafting knives, so much so that it has earned the nickname "The Town of Sharp Irons". Even today, the knife-making workshops keep this art alive, making knives and blades according to ancient techniques handed down over time.

Scarperia is included in the prestigious list of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and offers visitors a perfect mix of history, culture and centuries-old traditions.

What to see in Scarperia

⭐ Palazzo dei Vicari and Museum of Cutting Tools

The symbol of Scarperia, this fortress-palace recalls the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, with its imposing façade decorated with the coats of arms of the Florentine Vicars, the governors sent by Florence to control the city.

Inside, the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti celebrates the ancient art of Scarperia's cutlers, with: a large collection of blades and cutting tools, videos and educational panels on artisanal production, an interactive workbench, where visitors can assemble a knife.

⭐ The Oratory of Our Lady of Earthquakes

Located just outside the city walls, this ancient 14th-century oratory was originally a hospital for pilgrims on their way to Florence.

Curiosity: The church houses the famous fifteenth-century painting of the Madonna and Child, linked to an evocative legend. It is said that, after the earthquake of 1542, the image of the Virgin changed position: initially she held the child in her arms, but after the earthquake she placed him on her knees as a sign of supplication. Today the work appears in this particular posture.

⭐ Borgo di Sant'Agata and its Romanesque Parish Church

A few kilometers from Scarperia is Sant'Agata, a small village of ancient origins, known for its splendid Romanesque parish church from the 12th century.

Inside the parish church there are: a baptismal enclosure with panels sculpted in 1175, tables painted by Jacopo di Cione and Bitti di Lorenzo.

The area is also an excellent starting point for excursions on the CAI paths of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, ideal for nature and trekking lovers.

⭐The Mugello Racetrack

One of the most famous circuits in the world, designed in the 70s and now home to the Italian MotoGP and numerous international motor racing competitions.

⭐Events and Traditions in Scarperia

· Infiorata di Scarperia (Last Sunday in May): a spectacular event in which the streets of the village are covered with floral carpets, creating incredible artistic decorations with coloured petals and flowers.

· Sant'Agata Strawberry Festival (June): a perfect opportunity to taste local strawberries and typical sweets, all accompanied by live music and food stands.

· The Renaissance Days and the Palio del Diotto (End of August - beginning of September): during these days, Scarperia relives its medieval and Renaissance past:
The streets are covered with straw and animated by flag-wavers, musicians and jugglers.
Local craftsmen show their skills in working with wood, leather and iron.
The restaurants offer typical medieval and Renaissance dishes.

· Palio del Diotto (September 8)
The festival culminates with the Palio del Diotto, a spectacular challenge between the districts of the village to celebrate the foundation of Scarperia. Among the tests: brick race, tug of war, medieval skill tests

· Weekly market: Friday morning

Discover Mugello

Between uncontaminated nature, charming villages and a long historical and culinary tradition, Mugello is a perfect destination for a holiday dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
🎟️ Book now and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of this land!