Discover Certaldo: Castello, Art, Culinary Delights and Landscapes

Certaldo between Castello and the Tuscan hill landscape

Certaldo combines its historic centre with surroundings characterised by vineyards, olive groves, clay hills, rows of cypress trees, cultivated areas and woodland. This keeps Castello distinct as a historic area from the surrounding landscape.

The historic centre and Certaldo Alto

The historic centre of Certaldo – Castello – is surrounded by walls with the three ancient entrance gates of Porta Alberti, Porta al Sole and Porta al Rivellino. From Piazza Boccaccio, the centre can be reached by funicular.

Palazzo Pretorio is located in the highest and oldest part of the hill of Certaldo Alto, at the intersection of the medieval streets Via Boccaccio and Via del Rivellino. Numerous frescoed, stone and glazed terracotta coats of arms are preserved on its façade and inside. They represent the families of the vicars who ruled Certaldo from the late Middle Ages until the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

The Tabernacolo dei Giustiziati dates from around 1464 to 1465 and is attributed to Benozzo Gozzoli. The tomb of Giovanni Boccaccio is located in the Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo. Alongside the house museum, Boccaccio’s tomb provides another specific link to Certaldo’s literary history. Frescoes and sinopias from the 15th and 16th centuries are preserved in the former church next to Palazzo Pretorio, which is now deconsecrated.

Literature, painting and regional specialities

Casa del Boccaccio is a house museum dedicated to presenting the work and life of Giovanni Boccaccio. Museo di Arte Sacra was originally a 15th-century Augustinian monastery. Paintings from the 12th to the 16th century are exhibited there, including works by Cenni di Francesco di Ser Cenni, Ugolino di Nerio and Meliore.

The surroundings of Certaldo are characterised by vineyards and olive groves, alternating with clay hills, rows of cypress trees, cultivated areas and woodland. The Cipolla di Certaldo is part of the local culinary tradition: a variety of red onions with a sweet, distinctive flavour. Its designated cultivation area covers the municipality of Certaldo and several neighbouring municipalities. Boccaccesca is a traditional food and wine event in Certaldo that had already reached its 26th edition. The Cipolla di Certaldo brings the town’s name into the regional cuisine, while Boccaccesca showcases this culinary aspect as an event.

Mercantia in Certaldo Alto

Mercantia is taking place once again in Certaldo Alto. The 2026 edition bears the theme and title “Un’incessante Sinfonia”. Mercantia complements the traditional Boccaccesca with an event of its own theme.

More destinations for your planning

If you would like to include further subordinate destinations in addition to Certaldo, you can find San Martino A Maiano and Luia. Other destinations at the same level are Pastine, Gambassi Terme, Scandicci, Rignano Sull'arno, San Godenzo and Sambuca.

To the higher-level travel overview: Florence.