The most famous church of Certaldo, a medieval town in Tuscany, is Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo. It is only a small church, yet it is well worth a visit. Here, in addition to a few works of art, you will find the tomb of the writer Giovanni Boccaccio and the remains of Giulia Della Rena. The latter looks a bit sinister, since you can look inside it. In this article I’ll tell you more about Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo.
What would you like to know about Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo?
Arrange a Visit to Certaldo right away?
✈️ Looking for Cheap Flight Tickets to Tuscany or Italy? Book it here with Skyscanner
🏨 Where to stay in Certaldo? Book your Hotel here with Booking
🎟️ Looking for the Best Activities? If so, Book the best Tickets & Tours here via GetYourGuide
A brief history
In terms of appearance, Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo is not one of the most impressive churches you might have seen. But that also has its charm. Its history, along with the nearby monastic complex, goes back to the 12th century. The church is dedicated to Saints Philip and James. The monastery housed a community of canons. From 1422 to 1783, the Augustinian community resided here. In the 19th century, Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo received an elevated steeple.
The tomb of Boccaccio
In the middle of the walkway of the church you will find a large marble floor slab: the tomb of Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375). This Italian writer is believed to have been born in Certaldo (or Florence) and died here on December 12, 1375. For the last 12 years of his life, he lived at Casa Boccaccio, 50 meters away. Boccaccio is known for his masterpiece Decamerone. Incidentally, Boccaccio’s remains would not be under this floor slab….
The lurid remains of Giulia Della Rena
Another famous “resident” of the church is Giulia Della Rena (1319-1367). She lived at the same time as Boccaccio. Giulia was an Italian nun who belonged to the Order of the Augustinians. She confined herself for 30 years, until her death, having been honored by local residents after rescuing a child from a burning building. She died on Jan. 9, 1369, and in 1372 her remains were interred in Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo. In 1819, she received a beatification by Pope Pius XII.
Visiting Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo?
The church is located in the center of the Certaldo Aldo. It is free to visit. Many of the art treasures from Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo are now in the nearby monastery, Musea di Arta Sacra.
Plan your trip to Certaldo & Italy
Accommodation?
Certaldo is a good base for exploring the province of Tuscany
Book your Hotel or Guesthouse here
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!
Looking for the Best Activities? If so, Book the best Tickets & Tours here via GetYourGuide
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
Compare all airline providers and book your Flight tickets through Skyscanner
Rent a car?
The best way to explore Tuscany is by car!
Find the best rental companies here
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.
Book your Bus or Train Tickets via TrainLine
Do you have any comments or tips about this article on the Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
Read more about Certaldo?
Bassetto Guesthouse! Staying in an Ancient Monastery in Tuscany
Casa Boccaccio – The controversial Italian Writer of The Decameron
Return to:
