Scarperia was founded in 1306 by the Florentine Republic as "new land" in order to oppose the power of the feudal Lords, the Ubaldini family. It was first named Castel San Barnaba and rapidly gained importance due to its strategic position, so much so, that in 1415 it became the Seat of a Vicariate. The Vicariate held both administrative and judicial powers in the Mugello.
The Vicariate's Palace, Seat and home of the Vicars, has undergone many changes during the course of the centuries, and is now similar to that of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The Palace's facade is enriched with innumerable Vicars' Coats of Arms, and inside one can admire splendid frescoes, in particular 'La Madonna with Child and Saints' attributed to Ghirlandaio. Of particular interest near the Vicariate's Palace are the Oratories of the Madonna dei Terremoti, the Madonna del Vivaio and the Torrino, a medieval tower surrounded by a very suggestive Italian garden. Some few kilometres distant is S. Agata, dominated by its XII century Romanesque Pieve with several notable artistic works. Also in S. Agata one can visit the very interesting exhibition of artisan and farming life made entirely by Sig. Leprino.
Another small, but important centre nearby, is Fagna and its Pieve, cited in documents as far back as 1018. The church's interior has some interesting artistic paintings to view.
From the 15th century, Scarperia has been tied to the production of knives and all their derivatives, in fact, its knife industry goes back to the very first Knife Producers' Statutes. Even today there is evidence of this still flowering activity with many Companies which produce with expert artisan hands, works worthy of the town's tradition. Not to be forgotten, among the other artisan activities of the town, is the traditional wrought iron craft.
Fisherman can enjoy themselves fishing in the streams rich with trout, and in the countryside near the town, two important tourist structures have been inserted, the Golf Club 'Poggio dei Medici' and the International Autodrome.
Scarperia holds many cultural activities such as the 'Diotto (Die - Octo) which takes place in September in remembrance of the town's foundation in 1306. The most important part of this day is its procession which revokes daily Renaissance life, with ladies and gentlemen dressed in medieval costumes, banner wavers, cavaliers and games in the square. On the last Sunday of May the town holds its 'Infiorata', carried out by the townspeople, when the main street is covered with petals, each year dedicated to a different theme.
The surrounding countryside is very much in harmony with its natural environment and its products, and the local restaurants evidence this with their excellent cuisine.