A stay in Certaldo Alto offers relaxation and tranquility along with the beauty of architecture and culture. It is the ideal place for those wishing to explore ancient villages, cities of art and the wonderful landscapes of the Tuscan countryside.
Certaldo Alto is a real jewel, it is a fortified millenary village and built entirely in red brick. It is known for being the village of Giovanni Boccaccio and its appearance has hardly changed since his time. Certaldo is home to many museums, bars, cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Certaldo was an important city along the Via Francigena, the ancient road that brought pilgrims from Rome to Canterbury, and is therefore still an ideal stop for those looking for places in spiritual harmony with this ancient route.
IN CERTALDO ALTO
Palazzo Pretorio, the ancient center of power and local courts with the dungeons and the panoramic tower. On the façade and in the courtyard you can admire the crests of the various Vicars and among these the beautiful glazed terracotta coats of arms of the Della Robbia workshop. The Church of St Thomas and St. Prospero houses one of the most important artistic works of the Valdelsa: “The tabernacle of the executed” by Benozzo Gozzoli.
Boccaccio’s House, now a museum with a library specializing in all the different editions and translations of the Decameron and related studies. Church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo and Convent of the Augustinians. Inside the thirteenth-century church is the tomb of Boccaccio. The convent houses the Museum of Sacred Art, which is part of the museum ticket.
NATURE AND LANDSCAPE
For nature lovers, the surrounding area offers picturesque landscapes with breathtaking views. The landscape that surrounds Certaldo is typical of most of the Tuscan countryside: soft hills, vineyards and olive groves interrupted at times by woods and rows of cypress trees. You can also admire a particular form of erosion: the calanques, deep incisions that mark the rolling hills.
A few minutes from the center is the Parco Collinare di Canonica, a park equipped with paths for walking, trekking and jogging, with large green lawns. It is reachable on foot from the historic center of Certaldo Alto .
The River Park, which embraces the banks of the Elsa River and which crosses the undergrowth of Gambassi Terme up to Castelfiorentino, has recently been built.
ANCIENT VILLAGES AND ART CITIES IN THE SURROUNDINGS
The ancient villages and cities of art that Tuscany offers are of incomparable beauty. Staying at the Hotel Il Castello you can visit the most characteristic Tuscan villages and the most famous Tuscan art cities. Here are some suggestions: San Gimignano (13 km). Known all over the world for its tall medieval towers, a destination not to be missed during your holiday in Tuscany. Monteriggioni (32 km). A unique Tuscan pearl with its completely intact city walls, also mentioned by Dante in “The Divine Comedy”. Volterra (39 km). An Etruscan city with its beautiful squares, alleys, historic buildings and Roman theater, it is known for the extraction and processing of the most precious alabaster. San Miniato (29 km). Another Tuscan village not far from Certaldo, famous for its renowned truffle mushroom. Colle di Val d’Elsa (25 km).With the wonderful medieval part that dominates the modern part, also known for the precious production of Crystal and Arnolfo di Cambio's birthplace. Vinci (38 km). Small Tuscan village famous for being the birthplace of the scientist and artist Leonardo Da Vinci. Firenze (43 km). Tuscany’s capital, is a unique city in the world that holds an immense artistic heritage. Siena (48 km). A splendid Tuscan city, rich in history, art and ancient traditions still handed down from the past. Siena is the city of the Palio, the famous millenary horse race that takes place in Piazza del Campo every year on July 2 and August 16, an unmissable event that transcends tradition and becomes part of modern life. Pisa (78 km). One of the Italian cities emblem of Italianness in the world thanks to the leaning tower! Il Chianti. The rolling Tuscan hills full of vineyards and olive groves that grow the famous Chianti wine appreciated all over the world.
The Albergo Il Castello staff is available for information and suggestions for your itineraries. At the reception you can also book taxi services, guided tours, tastings and tours.
