Certaldo is a tiny walled-in hill town located in the south of Florence province. It's a town with Roman and Etruscan origins, that's easily reached by cable car from the main train station. It's an incredibly well-preserved and tranquil city.
Built almost completely out of brick, there is only one paved street in Certaldo. This street is named after writer, Giovanni Boccaccio, who is known to have spent his later years in the area, in which he enjoyed a peaceful and simple life outside of Florence. Today, Boccaccio’s house is open to visitors from 10am to dusk, except on Mondays. It was bought and restored by Marchesa Carlotta dei Medici Lenzoni, but then had to be rebuilt entirely in 1947 after severe war damage. Now fully restored, the house contains Boccaccio's documents and a study center which holds a small library of editions and translations of his writings. On the first floor there is a fresco of Boccaccio in his study, which survived the war damage. Outside of the study center is a modern staircase that leads to a tower with a gorgeous view where you can see, on a clear day, all the way to the Apennine Mountains.
A Street Performer in Certaldo — Photo courtesy of Provincia Firenze
A famous festival in Certaldo is held every summer in July. For 25 years now, the festival known as Mercantia has taken place in this little hill town. This is a festival that celebrates famous street performers, artists, folk theater, and medieval dress from all over the world. There are at least eighty shows each evening, all of which are some variant of street theater. The festival is visited by huge numbers of performers and visitors alike each year.
The primary aim of the festival is show off the talent of the many artists and performers throughout Italy and the world, though it's also a chance for Certaldo itself to showcase it's own shining points. There are comedians with their one-man show. There are clowns that perform their tricks for children and meander through the crowds. The museums are held open for visitors to enter at no charge, and many of them feature musicians during the festival. There are many arts and crafts for sale as well. Markets are open near the center of the city with unique and local goods for sale. Mercantia is an ideal attraction for a family with children and travelers who want enjoy an evening of art, theater, music, games and more.
Mercantia 2012 — Photo courtesy of Eventi e Sagre
Certaldo is reachable by train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence, or by car (taking the A1 from Florence, take exit Firenze Scandicci, superstrada Pisa-Livorno exit Empoli ovest, take the state road 429 in the direction of Siena.)
During Mercantia there will be plenty of public transit to get you to the city center, where the real action is.
A Street Performer in Certaldo — Photo courtesy of Provincia Firenze
Mercantia International Festival of Street Theater
Certaldo July 11th-15th 2012
