Certaldo is a charming medieval town in the heart of Tuscany and an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic Italian history. The higher-lying Certaldo Alto surprises visitors with its well-preserved streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views. Visitors come here mainly for the rich culture and heritage of writer Giovanni Boccaccio, who was born in Certaldo. The imposing Palazzo Pretorio forms the historic center and brings the medieval atmosphere back to life. Thanks to its tranquility, charm, and traditional Tuscan architecture, Certaldo is perfect for a historical walking tour. This online travel guide will help you discover the best of Certaldo and enjoy your visit to the fullest.
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Plan Your Visit to Certaldo
- Best time to visit? The ideal time to explore Certaldo is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the medieval lanes of Certaldo Alto are at their most pleasant. In these seasons, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. If you want to experience the lively Mercantia Festival, plan your trip for the warm summer months.
- How many days? If your goal is simply to discover Certaldo’s historic centre, one day is enough. But this Tuscan town is also perfect for a longer stay of up to a week, giving you time to explore the region. It’s wonderfully located within the triangle formed by Florence, Pisa, and Siena.
- Where to stay? Choose a charming guesthouse or agriturismo in or near Certaldo Alto for authentic Tuscan hospitality and a historic atmosphere. Staying here places you right in the heart of the medieval streets and just steps away from highlights like the Palazzo Pretorio—while also offering peaceful surroundings and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside. Book your hotel or hostel in Certaldo here.
- Sights to see? Most of Certaldo’s main attractions are found in the medieval upper town, Certaldo Alto, where you can wander through atmospheric, history-rich streets. The impressive Palazzo Pretorio and the house of writer Giovanni Boccaccio are the absolute highlights. The town also offers beautiful viewpoints over the Tuscan landscape. Book your Tuscany Tickets & Tours here.
- Flights? For travel to Certaldo, it’s best to fly into Florence or Pisa—two airports with excellent connections to Tuscany. From either airport, you can easily reach the town by train or rental car. Certaldo has its own train station with direct regional services, putting you quickly in the medieval centre. Find and book cheap flights here.
- Public transport? Certaldo is well connected by public transport, with a train station offering direct routes to Florence, Siena, and other Tuscan cities. From the station, it’s an easy walk to historic Certaldo Alto, or you can take the local funicular. Regional buses also link the town with nearby villages and attractions in the Chianti region. Book here your Buses in Tuscany.
- Renting a car in Italy? Renting a car in Tuscany is ideal for travellers who want the freedom to discover historic towns like Certaldo at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit medieval villages, vineyards, and countryside sights off the beaten path. Book here your Car Rental in Italy.
The Best Blogs & Articles about Certaldo & Tuscany
11 Places of interest in and around Certaldo in Tuscany
The old town center of Certaldo is a particularly enjoyable place to visit. Curious about what you can do in this historic town in Tuscany? In this article, you will find 11 great tips for things to do in and around Certaldo!
Bassetto Guesthouse! Staying in an Ancient Monastery in Tuscany
Bassetto Guesthouse is located about 45 minutes’ drive from Florence. This old monastery is an excellent base for a vacation in Tuscany. Want to know more about this special monastery? Read more about it in this article…
7 Interesting Historical Events in Certaldo (Tuscany)
Certaldo is the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio and hosts the annual Mercantia Festival. Want to know more about the history of this town in Tuscany? Here are seven important events from the town’s history.
Casa Boccaccio – The controversial Italian Writer of The Decameron
Certaldo is the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio? He was, among other things, the author of the controversial book Decameron. Who was this Italian writer from the Middle Ages? In this article, you can read all about his home and his life.
Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo – Discover the Tomb of Boccaccio
This small church is located in the historic center and contains the tomb of the writer Boccaccio and the somewhat macabre remains of Giulia Della Rena. You can read all about this saint and Boccaccio’s tomb in this article.
Museo di Arte Sacra – Discover the Religious Art Treasures of Certaldo
This small museum houses a number of very interesting works of art that are more than 500 years old. It is located in the city’s old monastery. Are you planning to visit? Read more about it here!
Palazzo Pretorio in Certaldo: The Medieval Heart of Tuscany
The main attraction of the old town is Palazzo Pretorio. Important representatives of the city lived here. In this article, you will find more information about this special palace in Certaldo.
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