A Guide to Prato

Prato is Tuscany’s third largest city and lies north west of Florence. It has long been the textile capital for Italy and has a rich collection of great architecture and works of art which include Filippo Lippi’s stunning fresco cycles. The cities historical centre is still enclosed by the old stone town walls. The Etruscan Archeological Museum, the Etruscan city of Prato, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Pretorio, the Basilica Cathedral of St Stefano, the Conservatory and Monastery of St Niccolò, are just a few of the sights worth visiting.

The Art route is an excellent way to explore the artistic offerings of Prato as it takes you through the centers collection of monuments on foot. There are plenty of possible excursions for exploring the beautiful nature of the surrounding area as well as opportunities for golf, horse riding and fishing. The cities most significant and oldest event is the Procession of the Sacra Cintola della Madonna when the Virgin Mary’s belt is displayed to the public once a year. The wine fairs, Palio race of the Carmignano donkeys and the Oste historic renaissance procession are also traditions not to be missed.