Prato is the second largest city in Tuscany with almost 200,000 inhabitants (in 2024), after Florence, and only 25 km from the latter. This active city still lives a little of its historical textile industry, which was in the past much more flourishing.
It is not visited as much as it deserves, for its medieval and later monuments, such as the central square with the Pretorio Palace, the cathedral, the imperial castle, the fortifications, and many churches.
It is also interesting for its Textile Museum and the house museum Francesco Datini, which was that of an important merchant, with beautiful rooms decorated with frescoes.
Among the works of art that it contains are, for example, in the cathedral beautiful paintings by Filippo Lippi, Paolo Uccello and Agnolo Gaddi, or the pulpit of Michelozzo and Donatello.
The historic centre is nice with its alleys, walls and the imposing imperial castle.
All things considered, Prato deserves at least a full day’s visit.
Things to do and visit in Prato
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the historic architectural heart of Prato, where was built the Borgo al Cornio, the oldest district in the city.
The historic buildings include the Vestri Palace, the Dragoni Palace and the Vescovile Palace.
The major building is the Duomo or Santo Stefano Cathedral, while in the center the Pescatorello fountain dates from the 19th century.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Prato Cathedral of St. Stephen has a beautiful polychrome facade in white and green marble. The interior preserves a beautiful pulpit by Michelozzo decorated by Donatello, important frescoes by Paolo Uccello and Filippo Lippi as well as the beautiful chapel decorated with frescoes where the precious Marian relic is kept.
The Major Chapel is decorated with frescoes by Filippo Lippi.
Cathedral Museum
The Museo dell’Opera of the Prato Cathedral is housed in the Episcopal Palace, with picturesque works, sacred art and especially the original parapet of the cathedral pulpit. The rooms are decorated with frescoes.
Piazza del Comune and Palazzo Pretorio
The Piazza del Comune is the other important square in Prato, with the imposing 13th century Palazzo Pretorio, built of brick and crenellated walls, the statue of Francesco Datini and a beautiful bronze fountain.
The palace houses the Civic Museum, with remarkable works by artists such as Paolo Uccello and Andrea Della Robbia.
Francesco Datini House-Museum
This museum is linked to an important historical figure in Prato, Francesco Datini. It was the most illustrious of the palaces of the medieval merchant who embellished and personalized it to make his residence. The interior preserves works of art and frescoes decorate the rooms, with an exhibition that tells the story of Francesco Datini.
Saint Francis Church
On the homonymous square, the beautiful Saint Francis church has a Romanesque-Gothic facade. It preserves the remains of Francesco Datini, or the beautiful frescoes of the Migliorata Chapel.
Imperial Castle
The imposing Imperial castle has a beautiful look, built in 1248 by Emperor Frederick of Hohenstaufen. It is the only Swabian building in north-central Italy, with a square plan, four corner towers and Ghibelline fences. You can go up the patrol path.
Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri
The small church near the castle is the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri, built on the remains of an old prison by Giuliano Sangallo at the request of Lorenzo de’ Medici il Magnifico. Covered in marble, it has a small dome, beautiful stained glass windows and the 14th century fresco depicting the Madonna of the Carceri between Saints Leonardo and Stefano.
Fabric Museum
At the edge of the historical centre, the Textile Museum is interesting, documenting this important historical activity for Prato. Sacred, embroidered, ethnic, contemporary clothing, accessories and machinery.
Photo Gallery
Where is Prato, map
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Sources and links
- Tourist portal of the city : www.pratoturismo.it
- General informations : en.wikipedia.org
- Tourist portals and blogs : www.visittuscany.com
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