About an hour northeast of Florence in Tuscany’s lush Mugello Valley lies Scarperia, a spot which has been named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
We had escaped to Scarperia for a reprieve from busy Florence for the golf resort, Una Poggio dei Medici, which just happened to include a 16th century hunting house of the Medici family, Villa di Cignano.
From the course (above) we spotted a tower, and decided we must find the village and have an adventure. 
What we discovered was a “mini” of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio, known as Palazzo dei Vicari and dating from the early 1300s. Word has it that it was revised by Arnolfo di Cambio, architect of Palazzo Vecchio, so the Medici could conduct state business in comfort and familiarity while in residence. At least that’s the feeling I got, anyway.
Palazzo dei Vicari anchors Scarperia’s quaint piazza in the centro storico, and is covered with various coats of arms vicars from across the years were required to contribute.
The Mugello Valley is famous for its handmade knives, and one of the highlights of our entire trip to Italy was discovering this bottega and chatting with the young proprietor, who was running this business which had been in the family for 500 years!
Back at our homebase, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Villa di Cignano…
…while Husband enjoyed golf and the incredible surroundings of Tuscany.
All photos my own ©PrayersandPiazzas2018
Prayers & Piazzas 
Do you think they used to be known for shoes? I am just wondering about the name Scarperia. Looks like a cute paesello. Ciao, Cristina
Thank you for my midnight tour of this gorgeous place! I was up late reading and enjoyed your blog. I felt like a time traveler in Italy. I especially loved the knife makers shop and the rich history of that family business. What a beautiful Snapshot of your time there !
Thank you, DV! I’m so glad you enjoyed your virtual trip! Welcome to the world of blogging! xo
What a lovely experience in this rustic town Stacy. That knife shop looks amazing. Did you bring back any souvenirs?
We certainly did bring back souvenirs!
Awesome 👍🏼😊
How lovely – makes me want to see myself
Yes, it was a fun weekend there!
All those coats of arms reminds me of the university in Bologna where the walls are covered in them! Fascinating anatomical theatre there too.
We may just have to stop by there this next trip. Husband has been desiring Italian steak knives for years now. 🙂
Highly recommend a visit. The time we spent in Scarperia was among the most authentic of experiences we had in our two months in Italy! We had an amazing and affordable dinner at Il Rustico (http://www.ilrusticoscarperia.it/) which was definitely a local favorite!