Certaldo
Latest page update: 17 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The charming hilltop town Certaldo lies in the Metropolitan City of Florence province. It has a population of approximately 16,000.
The town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the historic centre with its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. Certaldo is also famous as the birthplace of the renowned Italian poet Giovanni Boccaccio. |
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Certaldo: birthplace of Boccaccio
Certaldo, lying in the heart of Tuscany's rolling hills, enchants visitors with its medieval charm and rich history. The town is renowned for its picturesque old town, where ancient cobblestone streets wind past Renaissance buildings and quaint piazzas. Dominating the skyline is the Palazzo Pretorio, a medieval fortress housing a museum showcasing local art and history.
Explore the birthplace of famed writer Giovanni Boccaccio, whose legacy is celebrated throughout the town. Nearby, the Tuscan countryside unfolds, offering scenic walks, vineyard tours, and opportunities to savor authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias. Certaldo promises an authentic Italian experience steeped in culture and tradition.
Explore the birthplace of famed writer Giovanni Boccaccio, whose legacy is celebrated throughout the town. Nearby, the Tuscan countryside unfolds, offering scenic walks, vineyard tours, and opportunities to savor authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias. Certaldo promises an authentic Italian experience steeped in culture and tradition.
Comune di Certaldo
Province: Metropolitan City of Florence
Region: Tuscany Population: 15,534 (in 2024 - source) Size: 75 km² Elevation: 67 metres Famous native: Giovanni Bocaccio , writer/poet (1313 - 1375) Close by: San Gimignano, San Vivaldo, Val d'Elsa, Greve in Chianti Recommended accommodation: Hotel Certaldo |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
What are the best things to do in Certaldo and the local area?
- Certaldo Alto: Explore the charming medieval village of Certaldo Alto, perched atop a hill and surrounded by ancient walls. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historic buildings such as the Palazzo Pretorio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Boccaccio's House: Visit the birthplace of the renowned Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio in Certaldo Alto. The house is now a museum dedicated to Boccaccio's life and works, featuring artifacts, manuscripts, and exhibits related to the author and his literary contributions.
- Funicular Railway: Ride the funicular railway connecting Certaldo Alto with the lower town of Certaldo. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape as they travel between the two parts of the town, experiencing a unique mode of transportation and convenient access to both areas.
- Wine and Olive Oil Tasting: Experience the flavors of Tuscany with wine and olive oil tasting tours offered in Certaldo and the surrounding area. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including Chianti and Vernaccia, as well as locally produced olive oils, while learning about the production processes and culinary traditions of the region.
- Cultural Events: Attend cultural events and festivals held in Certaldo throughout the year, including the Mercantia street festival, which features street performers, artisans, and food vendors, as well as music concerts, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
- Countryside Cycling: Explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Certaldo with cycling tours and bike rentals available in the area. Visitors can ride along scenic country roads, through vineyards and olive groves, and past medieval villages, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
Where should I eat in Certaldo?
- Osteria del Vicario: Located in the heart of Certaldo Alto, Osteria del Vicario is renowned for its refined Tuscan cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant's menu features seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Guests can dine in the elegant dining room or on the outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Ristorante Latini: Situated in Certaldo Basso, Ristorante Latini is a family-run trattoria that has been serving authentic Tuscan cuisine for generations. The restaurant's menu offers a variety of classic dishes, such as ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine-style steak), and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup). Guests can enjoy their meal in the cozy dining room or on the outdoor patio.
- La Tavernetta: This charming restaurant in Certaldo Alto is known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty Tuscan fare. The menu features a selection of traditional dishes, including tagliatelle al tartufo (truffle pasta), cinghiale in umido (wild boar stew), and crostini di fegatini (chicken liver crostini). Guests can dine in the rustic dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the medieval streets.
- Il Castello: Set within the historic walls of Certaldo Alto, Il Castello offers a memorable dining experience in a historic setting. The restaurant specializes in regional Tuscan cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes include homemade pastas, grilled meats, and vegetable antipasti. Guests can enjoy their meal in the elegant dining room or on the outdoor terrace with panoramic views.
- Trattoria La Casalinga: Located in Certaldo Basso, Trattoria La Casalinga is a cozy trattoria known for its friendly service and delicious home-cooked meals. The restaurant's menu features a variety of Tuscan specialties, including ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), and fettunta (grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil). Guests can dine in the casual dining room or on the outdoor patio.
Certaldo Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Certaldo?
- Hotel Il Castello: Located in the heart of Certaldo Alto, the historic upper town, Hotel Il Castello offers comfortable accommodations in a restored medieval building. Guests can stay in cozy rooms with traditional Tuscan decor, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and explore the town's historic sites and charming streets on foot.
- Agriturismo Fattoria La Presura: Situated in the countryside near Certaldo, Agriturismo Fattoria La Presura offers peaceful accommodations in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Guests can stay in cozy rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
- Hotel Certaldo: Located in the lower part of Certaldo, Hotel Certaldo offers modern accommodations just a short walk from the town's train station and historic center. Guests can stay in spacious rooms with amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, and explore the town's attractions and restaurants on foot.
- B&B Il Giglio: Situated in the historic center of Certaldo, B&B Il Giglio offers charming accommodations in a renovated townhouse. Guests can stay in cozy rooms with traditional Tuscan decor, enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in the dining room, and explore the town's sights and shops just steps away from the property.
- Podere Benintendi: Located in the countryside near Certaldo, Podere Benintendi offers tranquil accommodations in a restored farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can stay in comfortable rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
What's the closest airport to Certaldo?
Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport) (FLR):
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) (PSA):
- Located approximately 40 kilometers north of Certaldo.
- From Florence Airport, you can reach Certaldo by various means of transportation:
- By Car: Renting a car at the airport and driving to Certaldo. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and route.
- By Train: Take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN), and then take a train to Certaldo. The total journey time (including transfer time) is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) (PSA):
- Located approximately 90 kilometers west of Certaldo.
- From Pisa Airport, you can reach Certaldo by various means of transportation:
- By Car: Renting a car at the airport and driving to Certaldo. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
- By Train: Take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Pisa Centrale Train Station and then take a train to Certaldo. The total journey time (including transfer time) is approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Does Certaldo have its own train station?
Certaldo Train Station:
- Located in the town of Certaldo.
- Certaldo Train Station is served by regional trains connecting it to major cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa.
What private transfer options are there for Certaldo?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Certaldo takes around 50 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Certaldo?
- Empoli: Empoli is a larger town located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Certaldo. You can find several car rental agencies in Empoli, both in the town center and possibly at Empoli's train station.
- Florence: Florence is a major city located approximately 40 kilometers north of Certaldo. You can find numerous car rental agencies in Florence, both in the city center and at Florence's train station and airport.
- Regional Airports: While there are no major airports very close to Certaldo, you could consider looking for rental options at airports such as Florence Airport (Peretola) or Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), though they are further away.