The origins of Mugello

The trail starts from Frascole, near Dicomano, which is considered one of the most significant places for understanding the Etruscan presence in Mugello. Here, there is an archaeological site that has yielded artifacts of great interest, including remains of dwellings, tools, and steles, evidence of a well-structured Etruscan settlement. The elevated position offers a panoramic view of the territory, which in ancient times allowed the inhabitants to keep the valley under control and ensure a natural defense. The route leads to the town of Dicomano, the most eastern municipality in the entire Mugello area. Here, not only can you taste the culinary flavors of tradition, but you can also visit the Archaeological Museum, a reference point for anyone wishing to delve into the ancient history of Mugello. Founded to enhance and protect the findings from local excavations, the museum exhibits a collection of objects covering a wide time span, from prehistoric eras to the Romanization of the territory. Along the Via di Dante, you climb towards the summit of Monte Giovi. Just before reaching the top, you can stop to rest from the effort at the Fonte alla Capra. Other interesting sites worth mentioning are the Pyramid of the Partisans and Casa al Cerro, places that highlight the close connection between these lands and the partisan activities during the historical period of the Resistance. The version of the route dedicated to Mountain Bikers does not reach the summit of Monte Giovi as the subsequent descent would be too demanding and technical: from the Pyramid of the Partisans, it leads directly to the Fonte alla Capra. From Monte Giovi (992 m), you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mugello and the Apennines, as the summit itself is the watershed between Mugello and the Val di Sieve. Monte Giovi, one of the highest mountains in Mugello, is known for the presence of important Celtic finds. This fascinating place, surrounded by wild and unspoiled nature, houses steles, sculpted columns representing ancient symbols and religious practices of Celtic and Etruscan populations. You pass through Barbiana (470m), a small locality located in the municipality of Vicchio. In the 1950s and 1960s, it became famous thanks to Don Lorenzo Milani, a priest and educator, who founded an experimental school here dedicated to boys from a popular and peasant background. The school in Barbiana was not a traditional school: it was based on a radical and inclusive educational approach, teaching not only classic subjects but also values of equality, social justice, and collective responsibility. Milani's goal was to give a voice and dignity to young people who would otherwise have remained on the margins of society, without opportunities for redemption. The small cemetery where the remains of Don Milani rest is visitable. You then arrive at Ponte a Vicchio.

Here, you can take a break before continuing your journey. You follow the recent Sieve ecotourism trail, which runs alongside the river of the same name. The path is pleasant and full of spots where you can contemplate the Mugello countryside with its cultivated fields. You cross the Ponte di Annibale, a fascinating medieval bridge. Made of stone, it features a single, slender arch typical of structures from that era. Despite the suggestive name, which recalls the famous Carthaginian leader, there is no historical evidence of a direct connection.

You reach Borgo San Lorenzo (180 m), the most populous center in the Mugello area boasting a rich medieval history. It is famous for the Pieve di San Lorenzo, a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century, and for traditional craftsmanship, such as ceramics and ironworking. From the village with its streets and squares, one in particular being Piazza Dante, the largest square in the town, to the countryside: the cultivated hills, the orderly fields, the rows of trees represent human effort and creativity, but also a symbol of harmony between man and nature. From the church of San Michele in Figliano, you reach Scarperia (290 m), a true gem of Mugello. Scarperia is a charming medieval village founded in 1306 by the Florentine Republic as a defense and control outpost on the Via Bolognese; it is now famous for its history, craftsmanship, and surrounding landscapes. The town is renowned for the tradition of knives and sharp tools, dating back to the Middle Ages. The museum, located inside the Palazzo dei Vicari, exhibits knives, scissors, and artisanal tools from every era, celebrating a tradition that continues today with local workshops.
Among the events worth mentioning, the celebration of "Diotto" on September 9 cannot be missed, a traditional festival that commemorates the foundation of the village, with historical processions, medieval games, and shows recalling ancient customs. You arrive at the church of San Gavino al Cornocchio. Dating back to the medieval period, it is dedicated to San Gavino, a martyr venerated in various Christian traditions. The church maintains a simple and intimate atmosphere, typical of Tuscan rural parish churches, and harmoniously blends into the surrounding hilly landscape. It is a place of worship linked to the local community and the historical memory of the area. After many glimpses of the countryside, you reach Sant'Agata (340 m), a small village known for its historical charm, idyllic landscapes, and authentic atmosphere. Sant'Agata is a perfect destination for those who want to explore the most genuine Tuscany, made up of centuries-old traditions, ancient architecture, and enchanting landscapes. The origins of the village of Sant'Agata date back to the medieval period, with traces of even older settlements, so much so that the territory has been the subject of numerous archaeological excavations revealing artifacts from prehistoric, Etruscan, and Roman eras. This long history has helped shape the identity of the village, which still preserves important testimonies of the past. In the Middle Ages, the village and its surroundings were under the influence of noble families, such as the Guidi counts and the Medici, who left a significant imprint on local architecture and traditions. All that remains is to stop and slowly discover the history and traditions that make this place special.

Scarperia and the art of blades

In the Middle Ages, the knife makers of Scarperia were organized in a guild with precise rules that guaranteed the quality of the products. Scarperia is famous for its folding knives, often decorated with inlays and precious materials such as horn and wood. Each knife was handmade, with a division of tasks between the blacksmith (who forged the blade), the handle maker (who worked on the handle), and the assembler (who put it all together). Today, some artisan workshops produce customized knives, perpetuating a tradition that combines functionality and elegance.