Certaldo
Certaldo is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Florence, set in the heart of the Valdelsa in Tuscany. Its brick-built upper town, Certaldo Alto, preserves a compact medieval core of towers, palazzi and terracotta streets. The town is closely associated with the writer Giovanni Boccaccio, who spent his later years and died here in 1375.
At a glance
- Type
- Medieval hill town and comune
- Period
- Documented from the medieval era; flourished under Florentine rule
- Style
- Tuscan medieval brick architecture
- Location
- Valdelsa, Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Overview
Certaldo lies in the middle of the Valdelsa, about 35 kilometres southwest of Florence Cathedral and roughly 40 minutes by rail north of Siena. The settlement is split between the modern lower town and the historic Certaldo Alto on the hill above. The older quarter is reached on foot or by a short funicular.
History
Certaldo grew during the Middle Ages and came under the control of Florence, becoming a seat of the Florentine vicariate for the surrounding territory. Its position on the route between Florence and Siena gave it commercial and administrative importance. The town is best known as the family home and final residence of the poet and humanist Giovanni Boccaccio.
What you see
Certaldo Alto is built almost entirely in warm red brick, lining narrow streets with houses, towers and civic buildings. Landmarks include the Palazzo Pretorio, decorated with the coats of arms of past vicars, and the house traditionally identified with Boccaccio. Surrounding the centre are stretches of medieval walls and gates overlooking the Valdelsa countryside.
Cultural significance
As the town of Boccaccio, Certaldo holds a notable place in Italian literary heritage and hosts cultural events tied to his memory. Its well-preserved brick townscape makes it a valued example of a Tuscan medieval hill town.
Practical information
Location: Certaldo, Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany. Opening hours for individual monuments, museums and the Boccaccio house vary by season. Check the official municipal and museum websites before visiting.
Getting there
Certaldo has its own railway station on the Florence–Siena–Empoli lines, making it easy to reach by train from Florence or Siena. By road it is accessible from the surrounding Valdelsa routes. From the lower town, a funicular and footpaths lead up to Certaldo Alto.