ヴィッキオの洞窟・トップ5

The ancient castle of the Turicchi Counts, which was the noble title of the bishops of Florence. It was their summer residence. Having ownership and jurisdiction over the surrounding countryside, including Rufina, they had the right of pre-emption of a portion of the wine produced in the fiefdom. This feudal right later gave rise to the Festa del Carro (Cart Festival), which takes place both in Rufina and in Florence. The cart, filled with five thousand flasks of Rufina Chianti DOCG wine, is paraded once a year, pulled by oxen, to Piazza della Signoria, where it is donated to the competent authorities.

Village of Villages

The picturesque town of Scarperia is renowned for the artisanal production of knives. In addition to the shops selling the best knives and agricultural tools, the Palazzo dei Vicari houses the Museum of Cutting Irons. On the facade of the building you can see all the coats of arms of past governments. On 8 September the Palio di Diotto is held, a historical re-enactment attended by all the districts of the town. On the last Sunday of May the 'Infiorata' event takes place where the town is decorated entirely with flowers and flower paintings.

The Palazzo dei Vicari di Scarperia, built during the fourteenth century, was the seat of the vicar of the Florentine Republic since 1415, a vicar who worked here with political duties and above all with the management of the Mugello and surrounding area. The charge of the vicar lasted only 6 months at the terms of which they had to leave the signature of their passage: this is why the numerous coats of arms on the façade. Inside, the noble rooms house important frescoes such as the Madonna del Ghirlandaio from 1501 and Filippo Brunelleschi's clock from 1445. There is also the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti, linked to the still active local artisan production, and the historical archive Pre-unification with more than 4500 documents from the time of the vicar.

A small municipality that since 2014 has been united with that of San Piero a Sieve forming the new municipality of Scarperia and San Piero. The facade of the Palazzo dei Vicari is beautiful, which houses a library and the museum of knives (typical products of this city).

In the heart of the ancient feud of the Guidi counts, then of the Bishops of Florence, at the foot of Monte di Croce, stands this imposing manor, once an outpost of feudal power in the countryside of these lands. Its origins date back to the 12th century, it was owned by the Saltarelli family, local lords and notaries who then emigrated to Florence, who expanded the original structures of what is now the central core, turreted and embattled. In the 15th century the interior was embellished with arcades and loggias according to the Renaissance style and taste, while on the outside the walled perimeter was in turn surrounded by massive stone bastions. All this is almost certainly due to the new owners of the time, the Pazzi, whose insignia - two dolphins facing each other - still mark the castle today. The nearby chapel, of medieval origin, is dedicated to S. Maria Maddalena de 'Pazzi who stayed here in the 16th century. Legend has it that after the failure of the conspiracy of 1478 hatched by the family against the Medici, the famous conspiracy of the Pazzi which cost the life of Giuliano brother of Lorenzo, Torre a Decima became their refuge. Completely restored after the war, the complex now suffers from neglect and is gradually deteriorating.

Imposing Medici fortress dating back to the 16th century is one of the largest European suburban fortresses. Unfortunately, it is in very bad condition although it seems that, purchased by a private individual, it is being restored. On the fortress there is an ancient legend that indicates it as the home of the Basilisk, or Regulus, the legendary King of Serpents who killed with his eyes. (https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortezza_Medicea_di_San_Martino)

visiting the ruins of castles always has its charm, especially if they are located in the hills, where the view caresses our eyes. in this route you can also find the Bacio butter factory and other ruins of houses and churches.