CERTALDO


CERTALDO16.000 inhabitants.The town is located near the Elsa river on the SS 429, one of the main localstreets.It is divided into two parts, the walled medieval village and the modern town.The ancient part dominates a hill, that is the reason why it is called CertaldoAlto (alto meaning high). Here stands the imposing Palazzo Comunale or Palazzo Pretorio, the town hall.Etruscan remains were found around the modern town, supposedly built inthe 18th century.The Mastio is a perfect example of Lombard – gothic fortress. Today thebuilding can be visited passing through the Palazzo del Vicario but, since inancient times it was only used as an ammunition dump, it was isolated. Then,houses and towers were built all around, giving shape to the fortified castle.Since the 17th century the fortess had belonged to the Alberti family, but in1184 it fell under control of Florence. So, the Alberti decided to destroy thewhole property and undergo the invasion.The Via Francigena and the Palazzo del Vicario (the Vicar’s seat) helped thefortress to develop; the defensive walls were enlarged and the three gates wecan still admire were created (Porta Alberti, Porta del Sole and Porta alRivellino).Certaldo became the most important town in the area; in fact, access tohealth, education and justice was guaranteed.In the 18th century the modern town started to develop on the Via Francigena,all around Piazza Boccaccio. During World War II Certaldo underwentheavy bombing and even the former house of Boccaccio was partiallydestroyed.Giovanni Boccaccio was a famous writer who was born and died inCertaldo. In the 19th century his house was bought by Maria Loretta Medici,because she was a real admirer of the poet.

Major events in Certaldo:

Mercantia: people coming from all over Italy and Europe come to attend thisfour-day medieval festival which takes place every July both in the ancientand in the modern part of Certaldo. Street artists and different stalls animatelanes and squares. It is really spectacular!

Boccaccesca: it is a food and wine festival organised by Slow Food.(http://www.slowfood.it/)
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Testimonials

  • Shore Excursion from Livorno Harbour to Florence and Pisa

    Santiago Family from POrtorico. Shore Excursion to Pisa and Florence , back to the harbour. Thanks for travelling with us . Read more
  • Flavia Saiad

    After some days in Tuscany , here there are at the Station ready for another Italian's adventure Read more
  • Karen & Jhon from Boston

    E-mail dated back Septmber 2019
    Hi Sylvia - its' hard to believe but in a few weeks it will be a year since our wonderful trip to Tuscany and our three days of touring with you. We've told many, many people about our three days touring with you in Tuscany! We love to tell the story of the guy in the

    ... Read more
  • Judith Wolfe on Behalf of Linda Wolfe October 2018

    Dear Silvia,My customers have returned from their long extended trip to Italy. San Gimignano was their 1st stop.They said the tour you arranged was wonderful and the guide made it especially good, saying that he is one of the best they ever had.They also really enjoyed the lunch stop and view.Thank you... Read more
  • Mrs. Maristela Azevedo

    Hello, Silvia, how are you?
    I’d like to thank you for the great time you gave us!!!We loved everything!
    I told my husband that, the next time, we will rent an apartment in San Gimignano…and you will take us to the wineries…He loved it!
    Thank you very much for everything. It was everything wonderful!!!... Read more
  • Jaime Otero y Jose Carlos Gonzalez Bonilla

  • Shane Quintard

    Ciao Silvia!

    Grazie ancora per il grande tour di Siena e San Gimignano - io e mia moglie e amici aveva un grande momento e che era esattamente quello che speravamo! La cantina è stata una scelta eccellente, come pure! Abbiamo lasciato ieri (1 febbraio) e ha fatto arrivare a casa in modo sicuro, nonostante ... Read more
  • Carole Gaddis

    Hi Silvia,  It's so good to hear from you.  We're fine.  We had six days at home after Tuscany and then flew to South Korea for two weeks!  We've just returned, exhausted!
    We had such a great time with you, Silvia.  The tip could never be enough to show our appreciation for your kindness and help.  ... Read more
  • The British Institute of Florence

    Gentile Silvia,  La volevo ringraziare per la sua disponibilità riguardo la gita di sabato.  Le signore le hanno fatto tutte molti complimenti per la sua guida!
    Grazie e a presto,
    Cordiali saluti,
    Liz Read more
  • Mrs Elizabeth ( wedding Planner ) Original Tuscan Wedding

    Ciao Silvia,
    Ecco i complimenti dalle Sposi del 16 Ottobre!!
    Our driver Johnny was so awesome!  He drove us all over the Chianti region.  He took us to a few wineries and we had a private tour of one of the wineries including a wine tasting and oil tasting.  He even took us into a store with a cellar ... Read more