In 1164, Federico Barbarossa conceded the Certaldo territory to the Conti Alberti, who in 1184 subsequently surrendered to the dominant Florentines. In their conquest, the Florentines demolished all towers, symbols of nobility, and means of defense.
It was during the 13th century that Certaldo was taken definitively by the Florentines, after a long struggle with Siena in the battle of Montaperti of 1260. As a result, the fortunes and banes of Certaldo were then closely tied to those of Florence for years to come.
After having been a prominent center of the Val d´Elsa under the Medici during the Renaissance, Certaldo lost a part of their strength under the Hapsburg-Lorena dynasty, who left them only the Curate (Vicariato) and a few mayoral posts.
click to enlarge
TO REACH CERTALDO By Car
From Florence:
Take the autostrada A1 around Florience, and
At the Firenze-Certosa exit take superstrada (SS) Firenze-Siena
Continue on the superstrada and exit at Poggibonsi Nord.
Follow the signs for S.S. 429 and Empoli-Certaldo.
From the east:
Take autostrada A11-A12 south for Pisa centro.
Take Superstrada Fi-Pi-Li for Firenze.
Exit at Empoli ovest
Follow the signs for SS 429, Certaldo, and Val d´Elsa.
From the south (A1):
Take autostrada A1 for Firenze until you reach the Valdichiana - Bettolle exit.
Follow the superstrada for Siena - Bettole, then
Take the Tangenziale Ovest around Siena, then
take superstrada Firenze - Siena for Firenze
Exit at Poggibonsi nord and follow the signs for
S.S. 429 for Empoli - Certaldo
