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Certaldo
Alto: red-bricked castled village
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Certaldo
Certaldo is the birth place of Giovanni Boccaccio
(1313-1375), one of the fathers of the Italian language
and was the seat of the Vicariate during the Republic of
Florence and maintained a privileged political and
judicial position for many years. It is today a sleepy
town and the perfect place to put down your pack and
relax after time on the road. Make this your home base
and day trip to major towns but leave time to explore
Certaldo itself.
It is well situated between Florence and Siena and is
actually divided in two. The modern commercial center is
at the bottom of the valley. The old town, Certaldo
Alta, occupies the highest point in the valley and can
be easily recognised from a distance by its
characteristic skyline of a red-bricked castled village.
The name of Certaldo Alto derives from the Latin "cerrus
alto" which means "high ground covered in trees". Its
best feature is probably its lack of tourists. The
streets are quiet and you can wander around without
seeing more than a handful of people. If you have time
visit Boccaccio's house, the Pretorio Palace, catch a
wedding or music evening in the small church or dine in
one of the restaurants.
Where to Eat
Latini
Via dei Platini, 1
Recommended by the locals. Excellent traditional Tuscan
fare. Prices mid-range. Thirty minutes walk, five
minutes by car.
Directions: Head towards San Gimignano – cross the train
tracks and take the first left.
La Casalinga
Via Roma, 44
Cheap and cheerful family run trattoria with daily menus.
Bread, wine and water is served with each meal. A
favourite destination of the Certaldese.
Directions: Take the high road into town. Casalinga
is on the left just before you reach the main square.
La Tinaia
Excellent pizza and pasta at good prices. Certaldo Alto
Pizzeria da Roberto
Via Sciano – Le Case, 154, Sciano
Excellent pizza and pasta to be eaten in a bustling and
friendly atmosphere.
Directions: Take the high road into town. Turn right
before the bridge and follow the signs to Sciano. The
pizzeria is on the left.
Il Pirata
Good food, busy atmosphere. (If you can not get in here,
try Delfino’s nearby)
Directions: Take the high road into town. Located after
the bridge and before the main piazza on your right.
Il Castello
Rich Tuscan fare served in ambient surroundings in the
old town.
Annual Events
Carnevale (weekends in February or March leading up to
Lent)
Sagra del Cinghiale (festival celebrating wild boar held
on weekends from March-May)
Certaldo in Cornice (May)
Cena Medievale (medieval dinner, June)
Mercantia (week long arts and dance festival, July)
Outdoor cinema (June-September evenings)
Sagra della Bistecca (festival celebrating the
Florentine steak, held on weekends from
September-October)
Wine Vendemmia (September-October
Presepe Vivente (christmas production, December)
Olive Vendemmia (November-December)
Weekly Events
Food and clothes market every Wednesday morning
Fish and vegetable market every Saturday morning
Town Facilities
Our town is small but you will find everything you need:
bars, coffee shops
restaurants
phone shops and booths
supermarket 'coop'
newsagents
churches
train station
SITA bus stop
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