Mugello

Mugello is a geographical and historical region in Tuscany, located in the northern part of the Province of Florence. It encompasses the valley of the Sieve River and the surrounding Apennine foothills, with towns such as Scarperia e San Piero, Borgo San Lorenzo, Vicchio, Dicomano, and San Godenzo. The area is characterized by a hilly landscape, forests, fields, and small towns that reflect its rural and historical heritage.

The region has ancient roots, with evidence of Etruscan and Roman settlement and a medieval pattern of fortified towns and estates. In Scarperia, for example, historic architecture like the Palazzo dei Vicari highlights the area’s governance in the Middle Ages. Mugello is known for its traditional crafts, notably knife- and blade-making centered in Scarperia, which hosts workshops and a museum. Rural festivals, culinary traditions, and religious sites also contribute to the cultural landscape.

Economically, Mugello blends agriculture—olive oil, wine, and other crops—with growing tourism and services. A major contemporary landmark is the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, a prominent motorsport circuit north of Scarperia that hosts MotoGP races and other events. The Bilancino reservoir near Barberino di Mugello provides water resources and recreational opportunities and is a significant feature of the local environment.

Transportation links connect Mugello with Florence via regional roads, with the broader Autostrada A1 running nearby and accessibility to nearby towns continuing to develop. The region’s scenery and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors seeking rural landscapes, historic towns, and motorsport events.