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Certaldo is a small town in the Elsa valley of Tuscany, divided into a modern lower town and a remarkably preserved medieval upper town (Certaldo Alto). The upper town, reached by funicular or on foot, has brick towers, narrow lanes, and the house where Giovanni Boccaccio — author of The Decameron — spent his final years. Certaldo Alto has the feel of a Tuscan hill town without the crowds of San Gimignano, making it a genuine discovery for visitors.
Certaldo puts you in the Elsa valley with easy access to both Chianti and the Val d'Elsa towns. Villas in the surrounding countryside have typical Tuscan landscapes — vineyards, olive trees, and gentle hills. Certaldo Alto itself has more atmosphere than many comparable villages, and the funicular ride adds charm. The honest limitation is the lower town, which is a functional commercial centre without visual appeal. The area is on the western edge of Chianti, so the most famous vineyards are a longer drive east. But for a Tuscan base combining village character with accessibility to Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano, Certaldo is well-placed and affordable.
Certaldo Alto is the main attraction — take the funicular up and walk through the brick-paved streets to Boccaccio's house, the Palazzo Pretorio (with its coat-of-arms covered facade and small museum), and the church of Santi Jacopo e Filippo. The Mercantia festival in July turns the upper town into an open-air theatre with street performances, music, and food. San Gimignano is about 15 minutes' drive; one of Tuscany's most famous sights with its medieval towers. The Chianti wine region stretches east, with tastings available at numerous estates. Florence is about 45 minutes; Siena about 40 minutes. Volterra, with its Etruscan museum and alabaster workshops, is about 30 minutes. The lower Elsa valley has thermal baths at Gambassi Terme. Cycling in the Elsa valley is pleasant on relatively flat terrain, with steeper Chianti hills for those wanting more challenge.
Florence airport is about 50 minutes; Pisa airport about 70 minutes. Certaldo has a railway station with connections to Florence (about an hour). A hire car is essential for wider exploration. The lower town has supermarkets, restaurants, and services. The upper town has a couple of restaurants and a bar. The funicular to Certaldo Alto runs regularly and costs a couple of euros. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 33°C. The Mercantia festival (usually mid-July) is the cultural highlight but also the busiest period. Parking in the lower town is straightforward.
It's different, smaller, less famous, and significantly less crowded. San Gimignano has the towers and the drama; Certaldo Alto has medieval authenticity without the tourist pressure. Visiting both gives you a complete picture of the area. Many visitors prefer Certaldo's quieter atmosphere.
A week-long summer festival that transforms Certaldo Alto into a performance space. street theatre, circus acts, music, and food stalls in the medieval lanes. It's atmospheric and popular. Accommodation books up well in advance during the festival period.
You can walk up to Certaldo Alto (about 15 minutes, steep) but the funicular is more pleasant and only costs a couple of euros. It runs frequently during the day. The ride is short but offers good views.
The train from Certaldo to Florence Santa Maria Novella takes about an hour and runs regularly. It's a practical alternative to driving, avoiding Florence's traffic and parking challenges. The station is in the lower town, easily accessible from most villa locations.
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