Certaldo

The quiet mediaeval town of Certaldo became famous through the poet Boccaccio. The Cartaldo Castello is connected to the modern lower town by a rack railway.

Red brick characterises the old part of town, which is defined by small cobbled lanes and historic houses. The Palazzo Preterio served as the seat of the provost and was known as the former centre of power and justice.

Mediaeval Palazzo Pretorio

Decorated with coats of arms, the facade documents the comings and goings of the different provosts. You can enjoy a wonderful view from the top floor, which plays host to various exhibitions.

Unrecognised poet: Giovanni Boccaccio

The Casa del Boccaccio is worth visiting, where the poet spent his last years as a poor man, here in Certaldo. Boccaccio's house serves as a museum today.

It wasn't until long after his death, that he gained the fame which he could only dream of during his lifetime (1313-1375). Today his Il Decamerone, which was written during the plague in 1348, was his most significant work.

The poet's memorial tablet from the 13th century can be found in the church Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo.

Mediaeval festival Mercantia

Every year in July, the city of Certaldo hosts a large historical festival with a mediaeval street theater. Magicians, ballad-mongers, fire-eaters, tightrope walkers, puppeteers and also craftsmen transform the city into something from years gone by. There is no shortage of traditional food and drink at the La Mercantia.

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