Beautiful Tuscany

In the area of Certaldo there are traces of the Etruscans. In 1164 the emperor Federico Barbarosso handed the town over to the counts Alberti of Prato, who estabished themselves in the Palazzo Pretorio. From 1313 until 1375 the family of the man of letters Giovanni Boccaccio lived in this town. From 1415 Certaldo had been the headquarters of the Vicariato, the most important political and juridical centre of the area Valdelsa, Valdipesa and Valdarno. Between the 17th and the 18th century Certaldo grew strongly to the lower part because of the trade along Via Francigena. In 1849 the railway between Siena and Empoli was brought into use and this provided economic growth. The ancient town of Certaldo, Certaldo Alto, is surrounded by a wall and is also called Castello (castle). It can be reached by a steep walking path or a little train from Piazza Boccaccio. It is also famous for its onion production, already at time of the counts Alberti in the 12th century. The “Vernina” is a red onion and has a strong taste. The “Statina” is only sold by local producers. It is a fresh onion of a light purple colour and has quite a sweet taste.

Monuments, museums and churches

Palazzo Pretorio
This building form the 7th century is the most famous monument of Certaldo. You can visit the monument and you can see a former prison, a chapel and the private rooms of the Vicari here. On the façade of the building there are coats of arms. The Vicari lived here and governed Certaldo from this building.

Opening hours Palazzo Pretorio
Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Via Boccaccio Certaldo Tel. +39 0571661219

Casa di Giovanni Boccaccio
The birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio is a museum nowadays, dedicated to this man of letters from the 14th century. The museum reopens in October 2007.

Museo Arte Sacra
This museum is an ancient convent from the 15th century. Inside you can admire paintings, sculptures and ancient furniture.

Opening hours Museo Arte Sacra
Summertime daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Wintertime: Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 am - 4.30 pm
Piazza Santi Jacopo e Filippo 2 Certaldo Alto - Tel +39 0571 652796

Chiesa
The church next to Palazzo Pretorio is from the 8th century. Today this church is not consecrated anymore and is used for expositions and concerts. Inside the church there is the famous fresco Tabernacolo dei Giustiziati (1464-1465) of Benozzo Gozzoli.

Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo
This church was built in the 7th or 8th century. Inside there are frescoes and sculptures and the tomb of Giovanni Boccaccio probably lies here.