Discover Scarperia through Traditions, History, and Literature

January is the perfect time to visit Scarperia, one of the most charming villages in the Mugello area, ideal for those seeking a trip full of history, art, and tranquillity. Known throughout Italy for its ancient tradition of handcrafted knives and blades, Scarperia is actually much more: a medieval village rich in history, culture, and heritage.

Strolling through the streets, you discover a place that has been a significant centre for history and literature, home to important figures of the past and deeply marked by the events of the Second World War. Museums, temporary exhibitions, historic buildings, and the typical landscapes of the Tuscan Mugello make Scarperia an ideal destination for a cultural and relaxing stay.

In the heart of the Mugello region, in the hamlet of Sant’Agata (Scarperia e San Piero), lies the Museum of Sant’Agata Artigiana e Contadina di Leprino, a unique place that recreates rural and artisan life between the 1920s and 1950s.

The museum uses animated scenes with moving figures, about 70 cm tall, to represent traditional crafts, agricultural activities, and moments of everyday domestic life.The figures and settings were created by Faliero Lepri, known as “Leprino”, who dedicated his life to preserving rural activities and traditions that have now disappeared. Thanks to an ingenious system of small motors and electrical wires, the characters move, offering visitors an immersive and engaging experience. Today, the museum is part of the Mugello Museum System and is an ideal stop for those who wish to discover the history, culture, and folk traditions of Tuscany.

Another must-see destination among the historical museums of the Mugello is the Gothic Line Museum “MuGot”, located in Ponzalla, in the municipality of Scarperia e San Piero. The museum was established with the aim of preserving the memory of the Second World War, with particular attention to the clashes that, in September 1944, involved the Apennines between the Futa Pass and the Giogo Pass—an area that became a battlefield along the Gothic Line between the German army and Allied forces.

The MuGot displays more than 2,500 historical artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, personal items, original documents, and information panels. These are arranged across four large exhibition rooms, enriched with dioramas and environmental reconstructions that help visitors understand the complexity of the events of the final year of the war.

A visit to the museum is an educational and reflective experience, suitable for history enthusiasts as well as schools and families. Visitors can further explore the historical context through testimonies, written materials, films, and guided tours to the battlefields and original positions of the Gothic Line.

In the heart of Scarperia, at the Palazzo dei Vicari, the Mugello pays tribute to Nicola Lisi, one of the most important cultural figures of the twentieth century, with the temporary exhibition “Words and Visions of the 20th Century”, scheduled from 13 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

Nicola Lisi (1893–1975), born in Scarperia, was a prominent writer and storyteller of twentieth-century Italian literature, known for his ability to portray everyday life in the Mugello and Tuscany, revealing the deeper meanings of human experience.

The exhibition presents a journey through books, documents, and original materials from the Lisi Collection, preserved by the Municipality of Scarperia e San Piero, allowing visitors to explore the author’s literary and spiritual production up close. First editions, annotated texts, and rare documents are on display, together with two significant portraits of the author—one by Ottone Rosai and one by Alberto Savi—which complete the portrait of a narrator deeply connected to the rural world.

This exhibition represents a unique opportunity for those who wish to delve into the figure of Nicola Lisi, appreciate twentieth-century Italian literature, and discover the culture and traditions of the Mugello through an exhibition of historical and artistic importance.

Visiting Scarperia means immersing yourself in a territory rich in history, art, and literature, where every corner of the village tells unique and authentic stories. From the charm of the animated scenes at the Museo di Sant’Agata Artigiana e Contadina di Leprino, to the historical memory of the Gothic Line at the Museo Gotica “MuGot”, and the literary reflections offered by the Nicola Lisi exhibition, Scarperia offers a complete cultural journey suitable for families, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors of all ages.

Planning a visit means not only admiring medieval villages and Tuscan landscapes, but also discovering the roots and traditions of a community that has preserved and valued its identity. Whether you are looking for a cultural weekend, a historical itinerary, or an immersion in 20th-century literature, Scarperia and the Mugello region await you with unique and memorable experiences.

To make your stay even more special, book a Collichiari property in the heart of the village, where you can experience the magic of Tuscany.

In partnership with Trading Estate Service Srl