Prato is a beautiful city in Tuscany. A visit to this city will show off architectural and historical buildings, along with some delicious local foods. Cycling paths are plentiful and pretty both in and around the city. Prato is easy to reach from Florence by bus or train.
1. Duomo & Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
The Prato Duomo is a very beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral. The stained glass windows are stunning and the frescoes on the ceiling are impressive. Green marble from Prato is used throughout the interior.
The Duomo Museum was founded in 1967. It is very well displayed, with explanations all in English. It sits under the Duomo, in arch vaulted rooms which I really quite neat. The museum has many hidden treasures, including the original Donatello Pulpit.
The Duomo and the Duomo Museum are part of a combined ticket.
Duomo & Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
2. Textile Museum
The Textile Museum (Museo del Tessuto) is dedicated to the history of the textile industry in Prato. It is an excellent museum, with interesting exhibits for all ages. The museum is located within a former shearing factory, which is interesting in and of itself. Museo del Tessuto is really an excellent look the history of Prato too, as the textile industry has been such a central part of Prato. The museum also organizes many events for families, kids, and schools. Be sure to keep an eye out for events that seem of interest.
Museo del Tessuto di Prato
Address: Via Puccetti, 3, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
Tip from tour guide
While you explore Museo del Tessuto, you can learn about the hard work of wool workers, touch fibers such as those obtained from corn or plastic, get to know the natural dyes of the past such as purple, see some fabrics such as the Jacquard model, and discover how Prato became a textile city.
Exhibitions are also organized here periodically.
3. Go to a rugby game to watch Prato’s I Cavalieri
Prato’s I Cavalieri rugby team was formed in 2000 when three former rugby clubs were merged. In 2010 ten Tuscan rugby clubs joined together with Prato’s I Cavalieri to form “Cavalieri Toscana Rugby Eccellenza”. If you’re a ruby fan, be sure to take a look at their game schedule and see if you can fit one in!
Stadio "Enrico Chersoni"
Address: Via Didaco Bessi, 5, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
Website: Stadio “Enrico Chersoni”
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4. Palazzo Pretorio Museum
Palazzo Pretorio Museum was completely refurbished within the past few years. It is a must see for any art lovers. The medieval palace holds some gems by artists such as Filippo, Monaco, Daddi, and Filippino Lippi. Signs through out the museum are both in Italian and English. A guided tour will give visitors more insight into the museum, but it can be enjoyed just as much without and is easy to navigate.The top floor of the Palazzo Pretorio Museum has a terrace that offers lovely views over the city of Prato.
Palazzo Pretorio Museum
Address: Piazza del Comune
Website: Palazzo Pretorio Museum
5. Santa Maria delle Carceri
Santa Maria delle Carceri is a unique church in Prato. It was built on a prison where a child was said to have seen an image of a Madonna and Child come to life in 1484. Lorenzo de ‘Medici selected Giuliano da Sangallo to design the space. It said to be one of the earliest examples of Greek cross plan in Renaissance architecture. This model of Santa Maria delle Carceri later went on to inspire St. Peters in Rome, San Biagio in Montepulciano, and Raphael’s Sant'Eligio degli Orefici in Rome.
Santa Maria delle Carceri
Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri, 21, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
6. Castello dell'Imperatore
Castello dell'Imperatore was built on top of a previous fortification for Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor between 1237 and 1247. When Frederick died, building stopped and it was never finished. But today the castle is open to visitors. At the top of Castello dell'Imperatore, visitors will have a bird’s eye view over the entire city of Prato. From outside, the castle is beautiful, though there is nothing much inside. Castello dell'Imperatore is a symbol of Prato and definitely worth a visit.
Castello dell'Imperatore
Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri, 27, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
Website: Castello dell'Imperatore
7. Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano
The Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano is one of the most famous Medici villas. The building was constructed beginning in 1479 by Lorenzo the Magnificent, who then entrusted Giuliano da Sangallo to continue the work. The Renaissance style building sits on a hill, with stunning views. There are two museums housed there now. One of the historic apartments and the Museum of Still Life. There is a wonderful garden on the grounds. Within the buildings there are stunning frescos and paintings to see.
Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano
Address: Piazza dei Medici, 14, 59016 Poggio a Caiano PO, Italy
8. The Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art
The Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art (The Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci) was opened in 1988 as a way to collect, document, and present advanced artistic research. It is specifically focused on art from the last three decades. Within the museum there are many exhibits and educational promotions. The museum has over 1000 work or art, which show how art has changed and developed from the 60s until now.
Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci
Address: Viale della Repubblica 277, 59100, Prato
9. Parco Delle Cascine di Tavola
Parco Delle Cascine di Tavola is a wonderful park. It has beautiful lawns, lovely trees, and some nice wildlife. There are walking paths for running and walking through out the park. It is a great place to relax.
Parco Delle Cascine di Tavola
Address: 59100 Prato, Province of Prato, Italy
Website: Parco Delle Cascine di Tavola
Tip from tour guide
Nature lovers visiting Prato should check out Cascine di Tavola. It's a huge park between Poggio a Caiano and Prato, 20 km (12.4 mi) away from Florence. Its origin dates back to 1470 when Lorenzo the Magnificent purchased the area on which the Villa at Poggio a Caiano was successively built. In 1477, he gave the farm the form of a Renaissance model farm where quality products such as honey and silk were produced and prime livestock was raised. Some exotic hunting animals, such as peacocks, Spanish rabbits, and white deer, were also found here.
Under the grand duchy of Francesco I de' Medici, the farm increased its functions in the study of new cultivation systems to the point of becoming one of the first rice plantations in Italy at that time! The farm has been private property since the 1920s, but the park that surrounds it is open to the public and can be regularly visited. Today, it's a great place to hike, walk, bike, jog, or just relax.
Art, history, and so much more
Prato is a bit of a hidden treasure in Tuscany. Be sure to take a stop by when you are in the area to see all the lovely things it has to offer.
History
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