Certaldo

THE VILLAGE OF BOCCACCIO

The landscape around Certaldo is typical of the Tuscan countryside: rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves interspersed with groves and cypresses. The municipality is watered by the Elsa (tributary of the Arno) and consists of two distinct centres which divide it into high and low Certaldo in Certaldo. In the Plains, extends the "modern" part of Certaldo which experienced its greatest development from the late 18th century. The first settlements date back to the Etruscan period, but the name Certaldo comes from the latin cerrus altus (altura covered in cash). From 1184 the country is under the power of Florence.

In Certaldo lived the family of Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 – 1375), the House where he lived is now a museum dedicated to him. The increase in trade along the via Francigena, between ' 600 and ' 700 allowed the village to grow up at the low end, which assumed the territorial characteristics. The first tobacco houses, pasta factories, brick kilns and glass factories are located at the end of ' 800; after the war develops working footwear and frames and a general progressive expansion of the tertiary sector.

 

Traditions

Among the traditional celebrations of Certaldo: Mercantia, an event that combines Street Theater, music and crafts; the Boccaccesca, an exhibition of local products and the Historical Parade that depicts moments taken from Boccaccio's Decameron with actors in period costumes.

 

Typical products

Among the typical products of the territory, the Chianti wine, extra virgin olive oil, white truffle and the famous red onion of Certaldo, vegetable symbol of the country also in the original coat of arms Hall.

 

 

Photo Credits [latoscanadiboccaccio.it]