Certaldo
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Certaldo
Certaldo provides a strong mix of accommodation, ranging from hotels within its medieval upper town to agriturismi in the surrounding countryside. Many properties combine historic charm with views across the Elsa Valley and easy access to nearby towns such as San Gimignano.
Hotel Il Castello, located in Certaldo Alto, offers traditional rooms within a historic building, with a restaurant and panoramic terrace overlooking the valley (€€). Hotel Certaldo, set along the river below the old town, features modern rooms, a garden and an outdoor pool, consistently praised for comfort and service (€€€). For a countryside option, Agriturismo La Canonica, a short drive away, provides rustic-style apartments and a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and olive groves (€€).
Hotel Il Castello, located in Certaldo Alto, offers traditional rooms within a historic building, with a restaurant and panoramic terrace overlooking the valley (€€). Hotel Certaldo, set along the river below the old town, features modern rooms, a garden and an outdoor pool, consistently praised for comfort and service (€€€). For a countryside option, Agriturismo La Canonica, a short drive away, provides rustic-style apartments and a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and olive groves (€€).
Where is
Where is Certaldo?
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The town of Certaldo is situated within the Metropolitan City of Florence province and stands at an elevation of 67 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 16,000 inhabitants.
Places of interest nearby include San Gimignano, San Vivaldo, Val d'Elsa and Greve in Chianti while the recommended accommodation is the Hotel Certaldo. |
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Italian Renaissance writer and poet Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) was born and died in Certaldo; his most famous work was the Decameron: a series of short stories.
Comune di Certaldo
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Province: Metropolitan City of Florence
Region: Tuscany Population: 15,635 (in 2024 - source) Size: 75 km² Elevation: 67 metres Famous native: Giovanni Bocaccio , writer/poet (1313 - 1375) Fly to: Florence Airport - 49 minutes by car (45 km) 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 People Ask About Certaldo
Is Certaldo worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Certaldo
Certaldo is a historic town in Tuscany, located in the Val d’Elsa between Florence and Siena. Set at around 150 metres above sea level, it consists of two parts: the medieval Certaldo Alto, perched on a hill, and the modern lower town in the valley below. The upper town is enclosed by red-brick walls and reached by a funicular or steep path, offering views over the surrounding vineyards and rolling countryside.
Certaldo Alto retains its original layout, with narrow cobbled streets and buildings made from the distinctive red brick typical of the Elsa Valley. The Palazzo Pretorio, with its crenellated tower and family coats of arms, dominates the main square. The town is also known as the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, whose house is now a museum. Certaldo’s location along the Via Francigena makes it an important stop for visitors exploring the historic routes of Tuscany, with road and rail connections to San Gimignano, Empoli, and Florence.
Certaldo Alto retains its original layout, with narrow cobbled streets and buildings made from the distinctive red brick typical of the Elsa Valley. The Palazzo Pretorio, with its crenellated tower and family coats of arms, dominates the main square. The town is also known as the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, whose house is now a museum. Certaldo’s location along the Via Francigena makes it an important stop for visitors exploring the historic routes of Tuscany, with road and rail connections to San Gimignano, Empoli, and Florence.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Certaldo
- Centro Storico di Certaldo is a beautifully preserved medieval village where narrow brick-paved streets wind among red-brick palazzi, tower houses, and arched gateways. Terracotta rooftops, wrought-iron lanterns, and flower boxes add charm and colour to the architecture. The village sits on a hilltop in the Val d’Elsa, surrounded by vineyards and gentle Tuscan hills. Its atmosphere blends quiet medieval elegance with the vibrant life of a historic cultural centre.
- Chiesa dei Santi Michele e Jacopo stands prominently in Certaldo Alto, with a simple brick façade and a serene, historic interior. Inside are frescoes, wooden altars, and sacred art reflecting local craftsmanship. The church remains central to religious life and village events. It’s a peaceful place to visit while exploring Certaldo’s medieval streets.
- Piazza SS. Annunziata serves as the social heart of Certaldo Alto, edged with noble buildings, small shops, and inviting cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and cultural performances. Outdoor seating offers views of medieval façades and distant hills. The square reflects the lively yet intimate rhythm of village life.
- Palazzo Pretorio rises at the top of the village, an imposing brick palace with a crenellated façade and coats of arms adorning its walls. Inside are frescoed chambers, historical artefacts, and views over the countryside from its windows. It’s a symbol of Certaldo’s medieval power and history. Exploring the palace connects visitors to the town’s past as a centre of local governance.
- Guided cultural walks and literary tours in Certaldo introduce visitors to the village’s medieval heritage and its connection to Giovanni Boccaccio, who was born here. Local guides share stories about Boccaccio’s life, architectural landmarks, and Tuscan traditions. Tours often include tastings of regional specialities and local wines. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the cultural and literary richness of this part of Tuscany.
Tours and Activities
Certaldo Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Certaldo Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Certaldo
By Rail: Certaldo has its own railway station on the Empoli–Siena line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Florence in approximately 50 minutes and to Siena in around 40 minutes. The station is located near the lower part of the town, with funicular access to the medieval upper town and easy walking routes to local shops and restaurants.
By Road: The town lies in the Valdelsa area of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. From Florence, the distance is about 45 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour via the Florence–Siena highway. From Siena, the journey is approximately 35 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. From Pisa, the distance is around 70 kilometres, with a drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Parking is available near both the lower town and the funicular station.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town lies in the Valdelsa area of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. From Florence, the distance is about 45 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 1 hour via the Florence–Siena highway. From Siena, the journey is approximately 35 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. From Pisa, the distance is around 70 kilometres, with a drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Parking is available near both the lower town and the funicular station.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Peretola Airport: Located about 50 kilometres from Certaldo, with a driving time of around 1 hour. It offers domestic and European flight connections.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Approximately 70 kilometres away, the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It provides a wide range of European and some intercontinental routes.
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: Roughly 130 kilometres from Certaldo, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes. It serves numerous international and domestic destinations.
Private Transfers
Certaldo Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and flexible way to reach Certaldo or continue your journey to other destinations in Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to organise public transport or plan complex connections.
From Certaldo, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport and Pisa International Airport, while longer routes are also available to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and Perugia Airport. They are equally suitable for shorter journeys to nearby places such as San Gimignano, Empoli, and Castelfiorentino, or for travelling further across Tuscany to cities like Siena and Florence.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Certaldo, transfers can connect you with Florence Airport and Pisa International Airport, while longer routes are also available to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and Perugia Airport. They are equally suitable for shorter journeys to nearby places such as San Gimignano, Empoli, and Castelfiorentino, or for travelling further across Tuscany to cities like Siena and Florence.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
