Certaldo is a very beautiful town in Tuscany. It is an ideal destination to explore this magnificent region in Italy. In addition, Certaldo itself is also highly recommended! The medieval center, which rises beautifully above the city is full of cosiness, nice restaurants and culture. Did you know that the writer Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) was born here? In this short travel guide I will tell you all about this beautiful destination in Tuscany!
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Practical information
Best travel time? The best time to visit Certaldo is between April and October. This is when the temperature is most pleasant for exploring Tuscany. In April and October, the temperature averages around 20 degrees. In July and August, it averages 32 degrees.
How many days? Would you like to explore the old center of Certaldo? Then 1 day is enough. But this town in Tuscany is perfect for a week’s stay to explore its surroundings. It is located in the middle of the triangle Florence, Pisa and Siena.
A Really Short History of Certaldo
Certaldo consists of an old and a new center. The old part can be found on the hill and is also called Certaldo Alto. This historic center was established in its current form between the 12th and 15th centuries. However, archaeological treasures have been found in the town and its surroundings that prove that there was already a settlement here in the time of the Etruscans (900 to 90 BC). Some of these discoveries can be admired in the Palazzo Pretorio.
The Palazzo Pretorio was the residence of the governors of Florence during the Middle Ages. On the facade you will find a lot of coats of arms of influential families and vicari from the city. From about 1415 the vicari (Roman Catholic deputy of a clergyman) lived in the building. By the way, the oldest foundations of Palazzo Pretorio date back to the 7th century.
One of the city’s most famous residents was Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375). His most famous work is The Decameron. A controversial book, it was forbidden to read in several countries. This because of the spicy sexual content of the book. In Certaldo you will find his residence and you can visit the church where he is buried. The main street is also named after him.
Top 5 Sights in Ceraldo
The main attractions of Certaldo can be found in the old town center. This is within walking distance of the train station. With a combined ticket of €7 euros, you can visit a number of nice museums. Below are the main attractions.
1. Funicolare Certaldo
You can take the footpath up, or take the little train to Certaldo Alto. This cable car was opened in 1999 and leaves every 15 minutes. In this summer it even continues until 1 in the morning! In a drunken stupor, this way you always get down in one piece! The difference in altitude is only 48 meters, so don’t be too lazy for a little climb either….
2. Palazzo Pretorio
Palazzo Pretorio is the main attraction of the historic center. With its foundations dating back to the 7th century AD, this is where you can really discover the history of the city. For several centuries this was the seat of the gouveneurs of Florence, until the clergy settled here. Through Palazzo Pretorio you can also access the church Chiesa dei Santi Tommaso e Prospero. And from the tower you have a view of the surroundings of Certaldo!
3. Casa Boccaccio
The town’s most famous resident was Giovanni Boccaccio. It is not quite sure if he was born here, but his last years he did live here. In his residence you will find, among other things, a library and information about the writer’s life. Especially interesting to see is the collection of The Decameron in many different languages. It now belongs to one of the most important books in world literature!
Tip! Would you like to learn more about Boccaccio’s life and his masterpiece The Decameron? Read more about it in the article Casa Boccaccio – The Controversial Italian Writer of TheDecameron!
4. Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo
The most famous church of the old center is Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo. In the middle of the path you will find the tomb of the writer Boccaccio. There you will also find the tomb of Giulia Della Rena (1319-1367) and her remains (a bit lurid if you look closely). She was Roman Catholic and a member of the order of St. Augustine. The church is not large, but it is free to visit!
Tip? Planning to visit this church in Certaldo? Read more about it in the article Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo – The Tomb of Boccaccio.
5. Museo di arte sacra
Next to Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo is the Museo di arte sacra. It is housed in a former Augustinian monastery. Thus, you will find a number of rooms with mostly ecclesiastical attributes when Certaldo was and vicariate. The paintings and panels from the 13th to 16th centuries are especially impressive to see. The museum consists of 7 rooms and it is recommended to purchase the combi-ticket. That way you have access to the main museums!
Tip!
Accommodation – Where to stay?
Certaldo is a great place to spend a week exploring Tuscany. Hotels can be found both in the old and the new part. In the historic center, you are sure to sleep in a hotel or B&B full of history! I myself stayed in Bassetto Guesthouse. This is a kind of hostel in an old monastery. The private rooms are basic and fine and in addition you can use the swimming pool. Only disadvantage is that it is located almost 2 kilometers from the train station, however, I did not see that as a disadvantage.
Looking for nice accommodation in and its surroundings? Then Book your Hotel or Guesthouse here via Booking
Looking for some nice restaurants? In the old town you’ll find a few good options, including Restaurant L’Antica Fonte and Il Castello Restaurant. But down at Piazza Boccaccio there are also a few nice restaurants.
Transport – How to get there?
Tuscany’s main airport is Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola. From here you can rent a car or take the streetcar to the center of Florence. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the city’s main train station, take the train to Certaldo. This one takes about 50 minutes. From Certaldo you can be in Pisa in about 50 minutes and in Siena in 40 minutes.
Plan your trip to Certaldo & Italy
Accommodation?
Certaldo is a good base for exploring the province of Tuscany
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Tickets & Tours?
In Certaldo Alto you will find a number of nice museums that are really worth visiting. With a combi-ticket for these museums, a nice lunch and an evening dinner, you can easily spend a whole day. Or book other fun activities in Tuscany!
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Flight tickets to Italy?
To Tuscany, it is best to fly to Florence or Pisa. Other options are Milan and Rome and then by train to Florence
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Rent a car?
The best way to explore Tuscany is by car!
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Public transport?
Are you going to explore Tuscany by public transportation? By train you can easily get to cities such as Florence, Lucca, Pisa or Siena.
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