Discover Certaldo: Boccaccio’s Medieval Gem in the Heart of Tuscany
A journey through history, poetry, ancient stones, and breathtaking views
Description
Just 25 minutes by car from Villa Le Torri, Certaldo is easily reached along one of the most scenic and charming roads in Tuscany, offering panoramic views at every turn.
Nestled in the heart of the Valdelsa Valley, Certaldo is a captivating medieval village, built of red bricks and steeped in silence and beauty. It is famous as the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, the renowned author of The Decameron.
The historic center, Certaldo Alto, sits atop a hill and offers breathtaking views over the Tuscan countryside. Walking along its cobbled alleys feels like stepping back in time. The atmosphere is quiet and authentic, with a strong literary presence: Boccaccio spent his final years here and is buried in the village church.
Certaldo Alto is easily accessible via a scenic funicular that links the modern lower town (Certaldo Basso) to the ancient upper village. Visiting Certaldo offers a truly authentic Tuscan experience, where art, history, tradition, and beauty meet. The town also hosts several cultural and culinary events throughout the year, including the famous Mercantia, one of Europe’s most important street art festivals.
It’s the perfect destination for a half-day getaway, perhaps with a stop at a local trattoria to enjoy the traditional flavors of the region.
What to See
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Palazzo Pretorio: the former residence of the local governors, decorated with coats of arms and frescoes.
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Boccaccio’s House: a museum dedicated to the author, featuring a library and exhibitions.
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Church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo: Boccaccio’s final resting place, home to sacred artworks.
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Certaldo Alto: a beautifully preserved medieval village with stunning views over the Valdelsa Valley.
Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375)
Giovanni Boccaccio was one of the greatest Italian writers of the 14th century, best known for The Decameron, a collection of one hundred novellas that explore human nature with irony, wit, and sensitivity.
Born and raised in Certaldo, he remained deeply connected to his hometown, choosing it as his final resting place.
Today, his birthplace is a museum, and his tomb lies in the village church. A close friend of Petrarch, Boccaccio helped promote vernacular literature and contributed to the rediscovery of classical texts.
Visiting Certaldo is a way to connect with his literary legacy and rediscover the value of storytelling, words, and shared time.
Parking
Certaldo offers several convenient parking areas, including:
Piazza Boccaccio, Via Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Masini, Via Fratelli Cairoli, and Piazza dei Macelli.
Piazza Boccaccio is particularly recommended for those visiting Certaldo Alto, thanks to the funicular that departs from there and leads directly to the historic center.
