Just outside the borders of Siena’s province, picturesque Certaldo is one of the Val d’Elsa’s towns to have best preserved its historic architecture.
Take the cable car up to the medieval town to visit the palatial residence of the Alberti counts and the home of one of Italy’s most prominent literary figures, with incredible views to match the architecture.
Palazzo Pretorio
The origins of Palazzo Pretorio are linked to the Alberti dynasty, which commissioned its construction as early as the 13th century when it gained control of Certaldo’s territory.
Casa Boccaccio
Certaldo's most famous citizen is Giovanni Boccaccio, a key literary figure of the 14th century, who was born here in 1313. In Casa Boccaccio, you’ll find a vast collection of rare editions of the Decameron, including volumes dating as far back as 1550 and old translations in Latvian, Georgian, Russian and many other languages.
Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo E Filippo
Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo, Certaldo’s main religious structure, houses the tomb of Giovanni Boccaccio, visible right in the heart of the nave. A glazed ceramic piece by Giovanni della Robbia, titled Madonna della Neve tra San Bartolomeo e San Domenico (1520), adorns the interior.
Museo di Arte Sacra
Next to the Chiesa dei Santi Jacopo e Filippo is the Augustinian convent housing the local Museo di Arte Sacra, showcasing a small collection of religious art, furniture and vestments dating as far back as the 12th century.
