Certaldo

The history of the village dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period, but its fame is mainly linked to the figure of Giovanni Boccaccio, the famous writer born in Certaldo itself in 1313. In fact, the village houses the Museo Casa di Boccaccio, where it is possible to admire objects and manuscripts that belonged to the author of the Decameron.

Among the main attractions of the Borgo di Certaldo are also the Church of St. Thomas and Prospero, the oldest church in the village, and the Palazzo Pretorio, or dei Vicari, now the Town Hall, which still preserves the coats of arms of the podestà who governed the village during the medieval period.

Despite its small size, Certaldo offers numerous restaurants and trattorias where you can enjoy typical Tuscan dishes, but among the most typical products of the village is the "Onion of Certaldo", a Slow Food presidium, with an intense and slightly sweetish flavor it is suitable for soups and for making jams. It is a product certified by a precise seal of quality. In addition, every year in July there is Mercantia, one of the most important street theater festivals in Italy, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

The history of Certaldo
Certaldo is a charming town that holds a great history. The town is divided into two parts: Certaldo Alta and Certaldo Bassa.
Certaldo Alta is the oldest part of the town, gathered within the walls on which the ancient gateways open: Porta Alberti, Porta al Sole and Porta al Rivellino. Here you can admire numerous historical monuments such as the Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of San Tommaso and the Casa del Boccaccio, where the famous writer lived for many years.

Certaldo Bassa, on the other hand, is the modern part of the village, characterized by wider streets and newer buildings. Stores, restaurants and bars can be found here, making this area very lively and popular with tourists.

Certaldo's history dates back to Etruscan times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the village reached its peak. Today, the Borgo di Certaldo is an important cultural and tourist center in Tuscany, attracting visitors from all over the world with its beauty and historical charm.

What to see in Certaldo
This wonderful Tuscan village is famous for being the birthplace of the famous writer Giovanni Boccaccio.
During a visit to Certaldo, you cannot miss a walk through its historic center where you can admire numerous well-preserved medieval buildings. Prominent among them is the Praetorian Palace, which now houses the Civic Museum and the Municipal Picture Gallery. Built sometime between 1117 and 1164, the facade of the palace contains numerous coats of arms in marble, stone, and fine examples of the Della Robbia school.

Another obligatory stop is the Church of Saints Thomas and Prospero, or the oldest church in Certaldo Alto, presumably built in the early 13th century, next to the Praetorian Palace.

Finally, you cannot miss a visit to Boccaccio's House Museum, where the writer lived most of his life and which now houses the Museum and the headquarters of the National Board dedicated to him. Inside are furniture, furnishings and exhibition panels documenting the poet's life and writings.

The gastronomy and events in Certaldo
Would you ever tell that Certaldo is famous for its Onion? Well yes, the Certaldo Onion is a typical product of the area known worldwide for its sweet and delicate flavor and is used in many local recipes, such as onion soup or onion jam.

Among the most important events, Certaldo hosts one of the most popular festivals in Italy every year: Mercantia, an international street theater festival that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. During the festival, the streets of the historic center come alive with performances by artists from all over the world, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere, accompanied by music and arts and crafts.

But not only during Mercantia, Certaldo offers many other cultural and gastronomic events throughout the year. These include food and wine festivals, art exhibitions, concerts and much more. In addition, the town is known for its restaurants and trattorias where you can enjoy typical Tuscan dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.