The medieval village of Certaldo, in the area near Florence. Staying there

City: Certaldo (Florence) - Pop. 16000 - Alt : 67 m asl - Location: Tuscany.

Description: Certaldo is a beautiful and high interesting medieval town in the Chianti territory, 30 km South of Florence and 30 km North of Siena. It stands on a hill overlooking the valleys of Elsa and the Pesa rivers. The municipality belongs to the province of Florence and is at short distance from San Gimignano. The town is divided into two districts. The upper one, on the top of the hill, called Certaldo Alto or Rione Castello has medieval look and fortified walls. The lower one, called Certaldo Bassa, is modern and industrial.

Sights and Attractions: Palazzo Stiozzi Ridolfi (13th century palazzo with elegant courtyard and a pretty porch)• Palazzo Giannozzi • Casa del Boccaccio (Boccaccio's home) • Church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo (13th century, Romanesque) • Palazzo Pretorio with picturesque facade and frescos in the interior. It overlooks the whole town offering amazing views • Church of Saints Tommaso and Prospero

Museums: Museum of Sacred Art

Events: Truffle Festival (March); San Tommaso patron Saint (July 3); Mercantia: is a medieval village fair with theatrical performances, music, dances and handicrafts (End of July); Historical pageant (Mid-Sept); Boccaccesca: Gastronomic festival of typical products. (Oct-Nov).

Typical products: Chianti wine and Tuscan Vinsanto, salami, wine, oil and onions.

Surrounding smaller towns and hamlets: Fiano, Sciano, Bagnano, Marcialla

Neighboring towns: Barberino Val d'Elsa, Castelfiorentino, Gambassi Terme, Montespertoli, San Gimignano , Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.

Nearest airport: Florence - Peretola airport (km 50).

Distances: Florence 30 km; Radicondoli 28 km; Colle Val D'elsa 20 km; ) Poggibonsi 15 km; Monteriggioni 25 km; Pisa 90 km; Siena 30 km;