Certaldo

A few kilometers far from Florence, in the Val d'Elsa you will find Certaldo, interesting city that gave birth to Boccaccio, and that for its beauty has got the orange flag from the Italian Touring Club. Because of its historical tradition and its artistic works, Certaldo it surely worth a visit. Do not miss the Praetorian Palace, the Boccaccio’ house, the Church of Saints Philip and James.
The territory of Certaldo was given by Frederick Barbarossa in 1164 to the Counts Alberti, however, that in 1184 had to submit to the hegemonic power of Florentine breaking down all the towers , the symbol of nobility and defense.
It is from the thirteenth century that Certaldo is finally taken by the Florentines after fighting in the Battle of Montaperti against Siena in 1260. The fortunes and misfortunes of Certaldo will tightly binded to the fortunes of Florence. After being the most important town in the Val d'Elsa, during the Renaissance under the Medici, Certaldo with the dynasty of Habsburg-Lorraine will lose part of its strength, leaving the Vicariate and some lands.