Panorama of Prato. Virtual tour of Prato. Attractions, map, photo, video. You can appreciate the beauty of the palace by watching the video. Monastery of San Vincenzo and Santa Caterina dei Ricci
The treasures of bright and original Tuscany are not limited to "top" tourist centers like Pisa or Florence. 20 minutes drive from the latter is Big City, which for some reason is rarely included in guidebooks for central Italy. And in vain - in terms of the abundance of attractions, Prato is quite capable of challenging Lucca or Siena. In addition, it is more "driven" - it is the second largest city in Tuscany, the most important center of the textile industry in the country. And if Florence did a good job during the Renaissance and, having earned a name for itself, today deservedly bathes in the rays of tourist glory, then Prato has no time to rest. How else to defend the proud title of the most commercial and entrepreneurial city of Tuscany?
How to get to Prato
Prato does not have its own airport, it is more convenient to get through Florence. From Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence, trains leave every half an hour for Prato: journey time 20 minutes. You can check the schedule and buy tickets at the office. website of the railway carrier (in English).
For those who flew to Pisa, at the Pisa Centrale railway station, you need to take a train to Santa Maria Novella station (runs every 20-40 minutes, travel time: 1 hour), and in Florence, transfer to the train to Prato. You can also get to Prato by train from Rome, again with a change in Florence.
Search for flights to Florence (nearest airport to Prato)
Transport
For guests of Prato public transport hardly needed - all the most interesting is in the center. If walking is boring, you can rent a bike or scooter. But using a car is very problematic. The city center is closed to cars without special permission: you can only drive to the hotel, parking is prohibited. But outside the historical center there are no problems - parking is free. Taxis can be taken both "from the board" and called by phone - the cost in the city will be the same: 10-20 EUR depending on the distance. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Prato Hotels
Prato hotels offer rooms at relatively affordable prices for Tuscany, after all, the city is not the most popular tourist centre in the region. Standard double room price four star hotel is 80-110 EUR with breakfast. Hotels 3 * will cost an average of 60-65 EUR per day, and 2 * - 40-50 EUR. For a room in a guesthouse they will ask for 40-50 EUR, apartments are rented in the amount of 55 EUR per day. There are no hostels in the city. All the most interesting things are located in the area of the main railway station, so it is better for hikers to choose accommodation in this area.
The cost of living in Prato is at least 1.5-2 times lower than in neighboring Florence, which can be reached by train in just 20 minutes.
What to bring
Prato is one of largest centers textile industry in Europe. In the vicinity of the city, there are many workshops that sew clothes with the coveted label "Made in Italy". True, it is mainly the Chinese who do this - Chinatown Prato is considered the largest in the country. In the center of Prato, there are mainly mono-brand stores of well-known and not very brands. On the outskirts there is a large shopping mall I Gigli (via San Quirico, 165) with a traditional set of mass-market H&M, C&A, Zara and others.
Of the edible souvenirs, sweets are considered the most popular: Biscotti di Prato, Cantucci, Amaretti di Carmignano, Sassi della Calvana cookies. From wines - Merlot "Prato del Faggio" and Chianti "Della Rocca".
Cafes and restaurants Prato
There are enough expensive and stylish restaurants in Prato, there are even three Michelin-starred ones, where dinner can cost 80-100 EUR per person. But most locals and tourists prefer to eat in inexpensive trattorias: the average bill for lunch in them does not exceed 15 EUR.
The most popular local dishes are ribollita soup with legumes, black cabbage and rusks, chickpea flour farinata bread, spinach tortellini and the king of Prato's cuisine - sedani ripieni alla pratese stuffed with celery. It is also worth trying the branded boiled sausage "mortadella di Prato", this is one of the main ingredients of local panini sandwiches. The city has international fast food chains McDonald's and Burger King.
Attractions
Most a nice place in Prato - its historical center. It is not very small, but you can get around it on foot in a couple of days. As in most Italian cities, on main square stands the Cathedral of San Stefano, or the Duomo, built in the 12th century (Piazza del Duomo). Its main treasure is the pulpit with bas-reliefs by Donatello, it was created specifically for the annual demonstration of a valuable relic - the girdle of the Virgin Mary, which, according to legend, was saved by the Apostle Thomas. Now the belt is stored in the altar of the Sacro Chingolo chapel under marble statue Madonna and Child, 14th century.
Another symbol of the city is the Castello delle Imperatore (Piazza delle Carceri). It began to be built in 1240 as the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, but the monarch suddenly died, and the construction of the fortress was frozen. In an unfinished form, it stood right up to the 1930s, when Benito Mussolini ordered the completion of the work begun in the 13th century. Today, the premises are used for exhibitions and other cultural events.
Prato is home to one of the most beautiful public buildings in central Italy, the 14th century Pretorio Palace.
Once upon a time, three different buildings stood in its place, which they then decided to combine together - so now it looks like a puzzle. At one time, a magistrate, prisons, and other institutions were located here. Today, an exhibition center has been opened in the Pretorio Palace (office site in English).
Of the museums, the Palazzo Alberti (Via degli Alberti) deserves attention. Here in the building of the 13th century is located Art Gallery, owned by the People's Nanque of Vicenza. Its most famous exhibits are The Crowning of Thorns by Caravaggio, The Crucifixion by Giovanni Bellini, and The Virgin and Child by Filippo Lippi.
- Where to stay: look for entourage in Florence, originality and comfort - in Siena. Well, for those who want to improve their health and see the "pearls" of Tuscany, there is a direct road to the terms
It is second only to Florence in size. Located on the Bisenza River, northwest of Florence, about 30 km from Tuscany.
Location of Prato on the map of Italy
Interestingly, the world still does not have accurate information about the history of Prato, presumably, the city was founded somewhere in the 10th century AD. According to historians, in the first years after its foundation, it was ruled by the nobles of the Alberti family.
Over time, Prato deservedly gained fame as one of the largest industrial and textile cities in Italy, namely textiles and ceramics are the main types of local production.
Visit Prato, being in such original country, like Italy, should be followed by every tourist who wants to see medieval sights, as well as combine cultural recreation and exciting shopping.
Like other cities in Italy, Prato has something to see:
- Cathedral of San Stefano. In the heart of the province Cathedral Square, is the main attraction of the city - the temple dedicated to St. Stephen.
Cathedral of San Stefano - the main attraction of Prato
Built in the 12th century, the cathedral was gradually supplemented with various decorative elements. For example, the bell tower of the temple was rebuilt from the moment of its creation, and around the 14th century the territory of the cathedral was enlarged, since even then pilgrims from all over the world aspired here.
The main period of decoration of the facade fell on the 14th-15th centuries, when the facade was finished with white limestone and green marble, and also covered with a tiled pattern.
At the same time, the famous pulpit with decorations in the form of bas-reliefs by Donatello was added. It was from her that the main treasure of the cathedral was demonstrated - the relics of the Holy Mother of God. The cathedral is located on Duomo Square (piazza Duomo);
- Imperial castle. This is a majestic medieval building, rebuilt in the 13th century. at the behest of Emperor Frederick II, is located in Piazza Santa Maria del Carceri. Designed by the Italian architect Ricardo de Lentini, the castle is made in the Swabian architectural style which distinguishes it from other works of Italian architectural art.
Imperial castle built in the 13th century
The severity of the German style is the main feature of the castle, built of white limestone in the shape of a square, on both sides of which there are square towers.
Almost the only decoration of the castle are the “Ghibelline teeth”, forked like a dovetail.
Entrance to the castle is free, you can visit it every day except Tuesdays, from 16:00 to 19:00;
- Church of Santa Maria del Carceri. The basilica, which gave the name to the whole square, was built in the 15th century. Located next to the residence of Frederick II, the temple is finished with two-tone marble, and the stained glass windows are made according to the sketches of Domenico Ghirlandaio. The church has several aisles and is topped with a small dome.
The Church of Santa Maria del Carceri repeats the Greek cross
Built by the famous architect Giuliano de Sangallo, according to the creator's idea, the shape of the building repeats the Greek cross, and evangelical medallions are kept inside. Location of the temple: Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri, I-59100 Prato, Italy;
- Palazzo Pretoro. It consists of several interconnected buildings, buildings and towers, made in the 13-14th century. In the 16th century it was redeemed in order to accommodate the servants of the city government.
Now the city museum is located here, which stores the works of Italian painters F. Lippi, D. Milano, L. Bartolini, Donatello.
On the first floor, the works of masters of the 14th-15th centuries of our era are collected, on the second - works created in the 16th-18th centuries.
You can appreciate the beauty of the palace by watching the video:
The museum is located on Piazza del Comune, receives visitors every day, except Tuesday, from 10 to 18-30. Detailed information can be found on the museum website http://www.palazzopretorio.prato.it. The ticket price will be - 8 euros, and if you are 26 or older than 65 years old, or a teacher by profession, you will be given a discount of 2 euros. Children under 6 years old are allowed in absolutely free of charge, and the whole family can see the beauty of the museum for 20 euros. However, the museum is currently closed for renovation;
- Palazzo Communale. Directly opposite the Palazzo Pretorio is another palace - the Palazzo Communale (Palazzo Comunale), located on a hill and therefore accessible to the human eye from any urban area.
Palazzo Communale is visible from any part of the city
It also houses works by medieval Italian painters. The façade of the building is decorated with a monument to Pope Gregory XIII, the famous mover of progress.
As the residence of the Italian scholar Francisco Accorzo, by the 14th century the palace had become a meeting place for the elders of the city.
On the territory of the palace there is also a chapel decorated with picturesque frescoes. The museum is under the protection of UNESCO;
- Palazzo Datini. The palace, which was the residence of the merchant Datini in the 15th century, is the most beautiful object local architecture.
Palazzo Datini in the 15th century was the residence of the merchant Datini
The exterior is replete with tile decorations about the life path of its influential owner. Residence address: Via Ser Lapo Mazzei 43, I-50047 Prato;
- Church of the Holy Spirit. Located in Via Silvestri, 21, not far from the Cathedral Square. The church originally belonged to the Servites, there was a Servite monastery nearby, and the main theme of the temple was the Annunciation. However, in the 18th century the priorities changed and the church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
From the inside, the church is generously decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, and two portals created in the 16th century are installed on the walls.
Directly in front of the temple is also another architectural monument - the Church of St. Ursula;
- Textile Museum. Prato, being industrial center since ancient times, has on its territory and the Museum of Textiles. Here you can see a variety of antique fabrics, such as velveteen, damask fabrics created in the 15th century AD, Perugia tablecloths. The most ancient fabrics exhibited in the museum were produced in the 5th century. There are also antique machines for the production of fabrics.
In the textile museum you can see the old looms
Museum location: Via Santa Chiara 24, I-40100 Prato;
- Piazza Mercatale. The largest square in Europe. Previously, trade was carried out here, now it is a place for evening secular recreation of townspeople and tourists. There is an abundance of entertainment venues, cafes, bars for every taste.
Festivals and holidays
In addition to museums, Prato offers its tourists to enjoy other spectacles.
For example, there are numerous various festivals and spectacles, including:
Where to stay for a tourist in the province of Prato?
Here are just a few popular comfortable hotels for accommodation:
Prato Restaurants
Italy is a country famous for its delicious cuisine, a kind of "gastronomic paradise". And the city of Prato is by no means an exception to this rule.
There are an abundance of restaurants and cafes serving dishes. local cuisine, as well as gastronomic delights of various peoples of the world.
Gourmet Restaurants:
Democratic cafes "For every taste":
Weather
Located on the banks of the Bisenza River, the city of Prato in Italy has a warm temperate climate. In winter, there can be a lot of rain, and in summer you can enjoy the mild warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
Therefore, it is better to go to Prato in the warm months: April, May, August and September.
The first summer months are undesirable for visiting because, despite the temperate climate, the gusty dry sirocco wind blows here. Average annual temperature in the city is approximately 14 °C.
How to get to Prato by different means of transport?
Airplane. By plane, you can fly to Prato from the a / p "Galileo Galilei" in the city of Pisa. From here to Prato you need to move along the A11 highway towards Florence, to the entrances "Prato West" or "Prato Ovest".
It is possible to get into the province by disembarking at the Amerigo Vespucci airport located in Florence, and also moving along the A11 to any of the above entries.
There are also Lazzi and CAP buses from Florence airports to Prato. In this case, you need to get off at the Central railway station of the city.
Train. Two major railway lines run through Prato: Bologna-Florence and Florence-Lucca. Prato is well connected with Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Naples. The city has excellent communication with Venice, Bologna, Naples, Rome, Milan. There are 2 major railways laid here: Bologna-Florence and Florence-. Having taken a ticket for one of the directions, you can get off at the Prato station.
Train station in Prato
Bus. Buses CAP and Lazzi will take you comfortably from Florence airports.
Automobile. Easily accessible via the A1 Milano-Naples and A11 Florence-Pisa Nord. There are two main highways that connect many Italian cities: A 11, which takes the path in Florence and ends in Pisa, and the so-called "Highway of the Sun" - the A 1 route, which runs from Milan to Naples.
shopping
The province of Prato is rich not only in various cultural and architectural attractions, but also, as a major industrial city Tuscany, famous for its shops.
Known for its high quality textile products, the city of Prato, Italy attracts business people from all over the world who want to shop in bulk for business purposes.
And they can be understood, because such clothes, as a rule, good quality, in addition, each item is necessarily provided with a "Made in Italy" label, as it is made in Italy. The cost of one unit of goods varies, on average, from 4 to 17 euros.
Italian clothing is famous for its excellent quality.
So, if visiting southern Italy Your choice is a combination of benefit and pleasure, then great place for such a rich tourism is the province of Prato.
Here you can appreciate the originality of architectural monuments and museums, take part in local shows, taste delicious Italian cuisine abounding in seafood, as well as radically update your wardrobe, or significantly replenish the range of goods in your stylish clothing store.
If you are a practical modern person who has good taste and appreciates your time, be sure to go on vacation to the city of Prato, Italy!
So we have reached the most important "highlight" of the Prato Cathedral - the Maggiore Chapel. At the same time we will see the next chapel of Manasseh.
painting customer chapel Maggiore performed by Gemignano Ingirami. Wanting to get hometown the best artist, Ingirami, through the mediation of the Florentine archbishop, turned to Fra Angelico. But the already middle-aged master, who was also overwhelmed with orders, refused, and then the eyes of the customer turned to Filippo Lippi. If Fra Angelico had turned out to be younger and freer, Lippi would have remained in the history of painting as an artist of secondary roles. But fate gave Lippi a chance, which he adequately took advantage of. Work on the frescoes of the Maggiore Chapel stretched from 1452 to 1465, and unexpected circumstances arose along the way. Filippo Lippi (a Carmelite monk, by the way) arranged his personal life with the nun of the Prato monastery, Lucrezia Buti, with whom he openly lived outside the monastery walls; the couple had two children. Of course, the 15th century was in the yard, and the morals of the clergy were very lightened, but still there was a scandal. Through the mediation of Cosimo the Elder, they managed to convince Pope Eugene IV to release the couple in love from their eternal vows, after which they were able to get married. Considering the pious subjects of the frescoes, it is now interesting to recall that the author, instead of deserved fame, could have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The subjects of the frescoes were the lives of Saints Stephen (the titular saint, the left wall was given to him) and John the Baptist (a tribute to Florence, the right wall). Photography is not allowed here, so the pictures are taken from Wiki.
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Lippi's most famous fresco in the Prato sobrre is Herod's feast. 
Few people notice the severed head of the prophet (look closely to the right), but the dancing Salome (it is alleged that Lippi borrowed her face from his beloved) has spread around the world in a thousand reproductions.
The next transept chapel belonged to the family Manasseh. Local frescoes are attributed to the remaining unknown student of Agnolo Gaddi; the plots are taken from the lives of Saints Joachim and Margarita. Again, the photos are taken from Wiki, I did not find the best ones.
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It is worth at least a few words to say about Chapel of the Belt of the Virgin. It is located in the free part of the cathedral, in the left corner closest to the entrance. But do not rush to rejoice. Due to the great value of the relic for the inhabitants of Prato and because of the legendary attempt to steal this relic, the chapel is closed with a massive lattice. When approaching the grate, the backlight automatically turns on, but it is almost impossible to see the entire cycle of Agnolo Gaddi, dedicated to the earthly life of the Virgin and the history of the Belt. Maybe, on the days when the Belt is shown to the people from the pulpit of Michelozzo, the chapel is opened, but I did not find clear information about this. Both the unworthy author of this story and the photographers Vika managed to see and capture only three frescoes.
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On this, let me put an ellipsis and take a bow. Alas, this essay ends not only short story about Prato, but also a long saga about Tuscany. Tuscany in my personal list of visited regions of Italy is now ranked third after Sicily and Campania in terms of the degree of exploration. Of course, there are a lot of tails left: I have never set foot on the land of the provinces of Piombino, Grosseto, Livorno and Massa Carrara; very close to Florence are the Medici villas in Petraia and Castello, which I have not visited; theoretically understandable, but in practice the paths to the historical monasteries of Vallombrosa, Sant'Antimo and Camaldoli remained unrealized. Nevertheless, soberly assessing the crisis that has befallen us, I state that in the coming years I will not go to Tuscany. While there are opportunities, it is necessary to look at least with one eye into other regions of Italy. And we will start using this peephole from the next time: an epic story about a trip to Emilia-Romagna that promises to become a very long one begins. The author wants you to like it the way he liked it.
Last time, we carefully examined the facade of the Prato Cathedral and glanced in passing at the diocesan museum (where - surprisingly nearby - the wonderful bas-reliefs of Donatello and the harmful caretaker coexist). Now let's go inside the cathedral.
As we remember main church(duomo) Prato was built in the XII century, in 1141 it became the place of storage of the girdle of the Virgin, and gained the status of a cathedral only in 1653. Fortunately, the transformation Cathedral did not become a reason for the restructuring of the building; the interior retained its Gothic features. In plan, the cathedral is an Egyptian cross (we encountered this form more than once in Siena), that is, almost the letter "T": three naves end in a long transept with as many as five apses. During off-duty hours, you have to pay to inspect the transept and apses, and it’s also forbidden to take pictures there, but, unlike the diocesan museum, the caretaker here (a black Italian, by the way) is a kindly well-mannered lady, and therefore the desire to deceive her and still make it forbidden I didn’t get a picture))) In addition, everything has already been stolen before us, it’s perfectly filmed on Wikipedia, so I’ll use other people’s photos in the course of the story (you will only benefit from this). We will move from right to left, in this order we will see the frescoed chapels of Vinaccesi, Assunta, Maggiore, Manassei; the fifth chapel - Ingirami - without frescoes, and we will neglect it.
Vinaccesi Chapel painted in the 19th century by our old acquaintance Alessandro Franchi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alessandro_Franchi_%28painter%29) - the same author of many intarsias from the story of Elijah on the floor Siena Cathedral(), as well as clouds of frescoes and tri- and polyptychs in Sienese temples. Of course, the academic style of the 19th century cannot be hidden, but Franchi should be given his due: he skillfully imitated Gothic murals, at least in Siena. The frescoes of the Vinaccesi Chapel are dedicated to Old Testament righteous men and prototypes of New Testament events.
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If you don’t like neo-gothic painting of the 19th century, then you can immediately go to the next Assunta Chapel, painted in 1435-1436 by Andrea di Giusto and Paolo Uccello. On one wall, three frescoes remind us of the earthly life of the Mother of God, on the opposite - three frescoes tell of the life of the First Martyr Stephen (the titular saint of the cathedral, if you suddenly forgot). Paolo Uccello owns the top four frescoes, and Andrea di Giusto got the bottom two. On Wikipedia, the frescoes of Andrea di Giusto are honestly photographed, and the creations of Paolo Uccello are clearly taken from the WGA (it is almost impossible to photograph them on the spot), and therefore I ask you not to judge strictly the WGA images - the obvious fruit of numerous scans and rescans.
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The Assunta Chapel was not lucky: it was in the shadow of the neighboring Maggiore Chapel, painted by Filippo Lippi. Actually, visitors to the Prato Cathedral go first of all to Lippi, and everything else is perceived as a load. In my opinion, the frescoes of Uccello and Giusto deserve no less attention, so don't miss it)))
To be continued.
The previous post about Prato was just a lengthy introduction, but the most interesting will begin now, because we are starting to explore the local cathedral of Santo Stefano, in which, depending on your preference, you can see the belt of the Virgin or the frescoes of Filippo Lippi, the indelible bloody the spot of the sacrilegious or the bas-reliefs of Donatello.
Prato, as we remember, found its bishop only in 1653, and only in that year the main city church became a cathedral. But even before this long-awaited rise, Santo Stefano was a very important church for Catholic world, since here since 1141 there is a valuable relic - the belt of the Virgin. What, - you exclaim angrily, - some kind of belt of the Virgin, when everyone in Russia remembers the arrival of the shrine of the same name from Athos and many hours of queues of those who want to kiss it (shrine, not Russia)? So, dear readers, there are several known belts of the Virgin in the world, and one of them is located in Prato.
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We will remember the belt more than once, but for now let's return to the cathedral. It was built in the 12th century, a transept was added a little later (possibly designed by Giovanni Pisano) and the Chapel of the Precious Belt. The facade of the cathedral appeared a little later, in 1386-1457, and is a good example of late Gothic. Just do not laugh, please, in those years Prato was a small town, and its main church was also small. 
As you remember, the green stripes of the facade are local green marble (Prato marble), and white is Carrara (it turns out that Carrara is also in Tuscany, but I didn’t get there).
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But everyone comes here not for the Gothic, but for the chair of Michelozzo, decorated with reliefs by Donatello. As you already know, they tried to steal the belt of the Virgin, after which they marked it in a separate barred chapel, where, in turn, it is also hidden behind seven locks (figuratively speaking; there really are several keys held by different people). But several times a year (now it happens on Christmas, Easter, May 1, the Assumption and the Nativity of the Virgin), the belt is removed and shown to the faithful from a special pulpit attached to the cathedral. Take a look at the very first photo in this essay. See the round balcony under the cap on the right corner of the facade? This is the chair of Michelozo and Donatello (1428-1438).
Prato in Italy is one of the most famous cities in the province of Tuscany. Its popularity among tourists is explained not only by interesting historical sights, but also by the opportunity to make a successful shopping by buying branded clothes with the inscription Made in Italy at a cheap price.
City `s history
The city was founded by Etruscan tribes as early as 1,000 BC. e., but was first mentioned in ancient manuscripts only in the 10th century. Starting from the 13th century, Prato (Italy) has already become one of the most important political centers countries with local self-government. However, in verse 14 was annexed to the city of Florence and became its usual suburb, having lost all its former advantages.
Even in the Middle Ages, wool processing plants were built in the city, which is why it was called the center of the "woolen empire" of Italy. Later, during the industrial revolution, it becomes known as a city with a booming textile industry, the history of which is narrated by an exposition in the local Textile Museum.
In 14 st. Prato was surrounded by a fortress wall, which is still preserved and surrounds " Old city". In 16 st. Prato suffered during the war and was devastated by the mercenaries of G. Medici. He was able to regain his former power only in the 19th century.
Sights and historical places
Almost all surviving historical monuments are located in the center of the city and reflect its life, which existed in the Middle Ages and later.
The main attractions of Prato (Italy):
- the oldest and del Comune (13th century);
- The Praetors' Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country;
- castles (Imperial, Swabian) - also built in the 13th century;
- Basilica of Our Lady, located near the city prison;
- the cathedral and the church of St. Francis, etc. (map of the center below).
City squares, basilica
central square Prato (Italy) is named after Santa Maria delle Carceri (piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri), it houses the city prison and the Basilica of Our Lady. According to legend, the history of the construction of the church began with a drawing of the Mother of God with a baby, painted on the stone wall of the prison. According to legend, in 1484, one of the small residents of the city saw the Mother of God come to life, descended from the drawing. In addition, other miraculous omens occurred during this period, and the believers of the city began to revere the image on the wall.
By decision of the authorities, the construction of the basilica began on this site, and the construction was entrusted to the famous architect J. Da Sangallo, who was very revered by Lorenzo de Medici. The building was built in 1486-1497. in the spirit of Brunelleschi and had a Greek cross in the shape of the base. The interiors inside the temple are made in the style of the Renaissance period, the stained-glass windows were made according to the sketches of D. Ghirlandaio in 1491. But the exterior design of the basilica was suspended in 1506.
imperial castle
Another attraction of the city of Prato in Italy (photo below) is the Imperial Castle, built by order of Emperor Frederick the 2nd. This building represents Swabian architecture and was built by the Sicilian master R. da Lentini in 1237-1248. The castle-fortress has the shape of a square, at its corners there are large square towers with teeth in the form of a swallowtail (Ghibelline), smaller ones are located in the middle of each wall.
The walls are made of white limestone. The towers on the eastern and southern sides have the shape of a pentagon, the higher ones on the northern and western sides were used earlier as guard posts. According to historians, tall towers were remnants ancient fortress Alberti.
Palazzo Pretorio
The Praetor's Palace, located on Piazza del Comune, is considered by citizens and tourists to be the most beautiful public building in Italy. Previously, there were 3 houses on this site, which in the 13-14 centuries. were combined into one complex, where they placed the magistracy, the prison and the local government. This can be seen on the walls, composed of materials of various colors and textures. The most ancient part is on the right and consists of a tower of the 13th century.
At the beginning of the 20th century restoration work was carried out and the city museum was opened in the Praetor Palace. Paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 19th century are exhibited here.
Chiesa di San Francesco is located on the Prato square of the same name (Italy), which is located southwest of the Cathedral (Piazza del Duomo). The church was erected by Franciscan monks near the monastery, from 1281 to 1331. from brick. In those days, it was the first brick (rather than stone) building in the city.
The church is adorned with an original façade, lined with strips of white limestone and green serpentine. At the bottom is a portal depicting the Immaculate Virgin Mary. At the top, the building has a triangular tympanum, which was completed in the 15th century. and decorated with a relief "Stigmata of St. Francis" (author A. dela Robbia). The bell tower was erected in 1799-1801. designed by A. Benini.
The interior of the church of St. Francis has a nave with three chapels in the Gothic style, which was later remade in the Neo-Gothic style at the beginning of the 20th century. The surviving antiquities are the tombstone of J. Ingirimi (1460s), the main altar with a wooden crucifix of the 14th century. Behind him is another gravestone -- Fr. Datini covered with a white marble slab (beginning of the 15th century).
The building of the Duomo di Prato Cathedral is located on the Cathedral Square of the city of Prato (Italy) and bears the name of St. Stephen, is considered the most ancient religious building in the city, because it was built in the 10th century. According to experts, a parish church has existed on this site since the 5th century.
The cathedral was rebuilt many times during the 10th-15th centuries, its structure changed, the bell tower was erected (12th century), the upper part of the cathedral was built on - the bell tower in 1356. Due to the increase in the flow of pilgrims who came from all over the country to look at the local relic - the belt of the Virgin (located here since 1141), the church had to be expanded. A transept was added to it, presumably made by G. Pisano. Later, the houses in front of the facade were demolished and arranged big square where the locals used to gather on holidays.
Modern Art Museum
The most modern attraction of Prato is the Center for Contemporary Art, opened in 1988, built with the money of the industrialist E. Piezzo. It also bears the name Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci in his honor. It was rebuilt in 2016 by Rotterdam-based architect Maurice Niot, who gave it a space dish-like shape.
The exposition area is 4 thousand square meters. m., the purpose of his exhibitions is to demonstrate the bold modern research of artists since the 1960s. It also hosts multimedia shows, lectures and performances.
Shopping in Prato
Historically, this city has been considered a zone for the location of textile industries for more than one century. However, in the 20th century Italian factories went bankrupt and were bought out by the Chinese, although the stylists and financial workers are still Italians.
Many tourists and businessmen in last years come for clothes in Prato (Italy). On large area factories are located here, where the Chinese sew clothes that are cheaper compared to other cities in the country. Due to the location, all the products that are sewn here are considered made in Italy and are of high quality.
Prato is located 25 km northwest of. This is the largest industrial center, the main industries are textiles and ceramics. In recent decades, the city has become one of the centers of immigration, in particular, the largest Chinese diaspora is concentrated here after.
Weather in Prato:
Attractions Prato
- Museo Civico e Galleria Comunale
Piazza del Comune. Closed for restoration. - Quadreria di Palazzo Comunale
Piazza del Comune - Cattedrale di Santo Stefano
Piazza Duomo - Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
piazza Duomo, 49. Closed on Tuesdays - Palazzo Vestri
tourist office
Piazza Duomo, 8 - Basilica di Santa Maria delle Carceri
Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri - Castello dell'Imperatore
piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri. Closed on Tuesdays. - Cassero Medievale
viale Piave GPS (43.878867,11.099061) Closed on Tuesdays - Museo del Tessuto (Textile Museum)
via Santa Chiara, 24. www.museodeltessuto.it, closed on Tuesdays. - Chiesa di San Francesco
Piazza San Francesco - Palazzo Datini
via Ser Lapo Mazzei, 43, closed Tue. and holidays. - Collegio Cicognini
piazza del Collegio, 13, closed on Tuesdays. - Galleria degli Alberti
Via degli Alberti, 2 presso CariPrato - Conservatorio di San Niccolò e Scala Santa
piazza Sant'Agostino - Chiesa di San Domenico
Piazza San Domenico, 8 - Museo di Pittura Murale I Tesori della citta
GPS (43.88232,11.094325) - Basilica di San Vincenzo e Santa Caterina
GPS (43.88232,11.094325) - Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
piazza Sant'Agostino - Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci
www.centropecci.it viale della Repubblica, 277, closed on Tuesdays. - Museo di Scienze Planetarie (Museum of Planetary Sciences)
via Galcianese, 20/H, www.mspo.it . Closed on Mondays. - Centro di Scienze Naturali (Museum of Natural Sciences)
via di Galceti, 74, www.csn.prato.it, closed Mon - Tue. - Museo Archeologico Etrusco di Artimino "Francesco Nicosia"
loc. Artimino piazza San Carlo, 3. www.parcoarcheologicocarmignano.it Closed on Wednesdays. - Villa Medicea Ambra and Museum of the Dead life
via Pistoiese - Poggio a Caiano - Propositura di San Michele
Piazza Santi Francesco e Michele - Badia di San Salvatore
Piazza Agnolo Firenzuola, 1 - Vaiano
Cathedral of Prato
The main attraction of the city of Prato is the Romanesque Cathedral San Stefano(Cattedrale di San Stefano, XII century). The carved Gothic façade dates back to the 15th century, as does the outer pulpit, attached to the right side of the building and decorated with bas-reliefs by Donatello. The pulpit was built specifically for the annual demonstration of the relic - the belt of the Mother of God, which the apostle Thomas, according to legend, preserved after her ascension. Altar chapelsSacro Chingolo(Cappella del sacro Cingolo), where the relic is kept, is decorated with a marble statue of the Madonna and Child by the famous Tuscan sculptor Giovanni Pisano (1301). In the interior of the church, you can also see frescoes of the XIV-XV centuries, including the recently restored cycles by Filippo Lippi dedicated to the life of John the Baptist and St. Stephen.
Imperial Castle Prato
On Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri(Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri) Imperial Castle(Castello dell'Imperatore), built in 1240 by order of Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. From the walls of the castle opens a view of the historical center of Prato.
Construction of the castle began in 1185 but was never completed. This is a fine example of Swabian architecture: 4 walls of battlements surround an empty courtyard. The castle includes two towers that date back to the 10th century. In summer, concerts and film screenings are held in the castle courtyard.
- Free admission.
- Open: 16 - 19 daily, except Tuesdays.
Church of Santa Maria delle Carceri
Nearby is Church of Santa Maria delle Carceri (Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Carceri, Giuliano da Sangallo, XV century), lined with white and green marble. The stained glass windows in the church were designed by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1491).
The church is located on the north corner from the "Castello". Its name comes from the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, painted on the wall of the "punishment cell" (cárcere), which used to be on this site.
This splendid Renaissance church was built by the architect Giuliano da Sangallo on a Greek cross plan between 1484 and 1495. The exterior of the church is finished in multicolored marble. The church houses the terracotta medallions of the Evangelists by Andrea della Robbia.
Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri, I-59100 Prato, Italy
Palazzo Pretorio
In the center of the old town of Prato is the Palazzo Pretorio (former Palazzo Comunale), built in the middle of the 14th century and including a number of buildings and towers of the 13th century. The building complex was purchased Capitano del Popolo in 1284 for the needs of the city administration. A battlement and a small tower were added in the 16th century.
Municipal Gallery
Museo Civico (Muciple Gallery), founded in 1850, located in the Palazzo Pretorio, offers an interesting collection of paintings, in particular - works of the Florentine school of the 14th-15th centuries. It is especially worth paying attention to the work on the 1st and 2nd floors:
"Tabernacle of St. Marsharites" by Filippo Lippi (1458, restored from fragments after destruction during an air attack of the Second World War in 1944), "Bacchus Fountain" by Ferdinando Tacca (1665), a polyptych by Bernando Daddi "Madonna and Child with Saints" (approximately 1328), a polyptych Giovanni da Milano "Madonna Enthroned with Saints" (circa 1354), Francesco Botticini "Madonna with Saints", "Madonna and Child" by Filippo Lippi (1503) and a fresco with the Virgin Mary and the Child by Fra Bartolommeo (15-16 centuries ).
On the third floor of the museum are works of the 16th-18th centuries.
Opposite the Palazzo Pretorio is the Palazzo Comunale, which, however, has significantly lost its original appearance as a result of restoration work in the 19th century.
- Palazzo Pretorio, Piazza del Comune, I-50047 Prato
Palazzo Comunale
Opposite the Palazzo Pretorio in Prato is the Palazzo Comunale, which was restored in the 19th century.
Palazzo Datini
Palazzo Datini is located south of Piazza del commune. It was the residence of the merchant and banker Francesco di Marco Dantini ( Francesco di Marco Datini, 1330-1410), one of the richest men in Prato at that time. Iris Origo's book "The Merchant from Prato" is dedicated to him, by analogy with the "Merchant of Venice"). After his death, the outer part of the building was decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from his life.
- Via Ser Lapo Mazzei 43, I-50047 Prato
Church of San Domenico
Church of St. Domenica was built between 1283-1322, although the façade of the building was left unfinished. It is worth paying attention to the richly decorated doors on the north side of the church. Inside, it is worth seeing a large crucifix, which dates back to around 1400.
Modern Art Museum
In 1988, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci, was opened in Prato. The museum is housed in a U-shaped building in the south of Prato in the Old Town, on Via della Repubblica (at the corner of Via delle Fonti di Mezzana). The construction of the building was financed by the Associazione Luigi Pecci, which was founded by the industrialist Enrico Pezzi, who died in 1988.
Address: Via della Repubblica 277, I-50047 Prato, Italy
Wall Painting Museum
In the cloister of the 15th century is the entrance to the museum of wall painting ( Museo di Pittura Murale ), which presents frescoes and sinópie (primary sketches for frescoes) from the 13th - 17th centuries. The museum also presents the technology of wall painting and various methods for the restoration of frescoes.
Entrance: Piazza San Domenico 8, I-59100 Prato
Church of San Francesco
From Piazza del Comune, Via Ricasoli goes south to Piazza San Francesco. On the left side of the square, you can admire the Church of San Francesco, which dates back to the 13th century. In the beautiful cloister on the right side of the church, the entrance to the priest's house opens, with beautiful wall paintings by one of the artists of the school of Giotto (Gherini, 14th century).
Textile Museum
Since Prato is one of the main textile centers of Italy, the local textile museum will definitely be interesting to visit. The collection includes corduroy, Perugian tablecloths, Damascus fabrics from the 15th-19th centuries.
- Via Santa Chiara 24, I-40100 Prato
