In 1415 Certaldo became the seat of the Vicariate, and its importance was such that, in the Medici period, it was the most important political and judiciary centre of the Valdelsa. It was the home of the family of Giovanni Boccaccio, who died and was buried here in 1375. The "Castello", the ancient village, inside generally well preserved city walls, can be reached by the ancient steep streets called Costa Alberti e Costa Vecchia, or by the more modern Via del Castello. The sight that meets the eyes is a strongly medieval example of town planning, although it was developed during the Renaissance, which culminates in the imposing Palazzo Pretorio at its peak. The town as a whole is picturesque, surrounded by vineyards. Weddings in Italy can arrange Protestant or non-denominational wedding ceremony or symbolic ceremonies in private locations and farmhouses located in the hills near Certaldo. The town hosts several festivals a year. The largest and most famous is Mercantia, a week-long party in Certaldo Alto. It involves numerous street performers from across Italy, Europe and even the Americas.