Built on the foothills of Monte Retaia in Tuscany is the tourist city of Prato! The River Bisenzio, a tributary of the great River Arno, meanders through Prato and helps create a pleasant scene for visitors. Prato has been inhabited since Palaeolithic times and is believed to have been colonised by the Etruscans. It is now Tuscany’s second largest city after Florence and is home to the second largest Chinese population in Italy after Milan.
Check out some stunning Carmignano luxury villas, only twelve kilometres from Prato if you wish to stay in this area for a few days.
Textile manufacture made up quite a lot of Prato’s economy as can be seen from the informative textile museum here. Also of interest to history lovers is the Datini Archives on display here. This is a collection of books and manuscripts that belonged to a merchant called Francesco di Marco Datini.
Check out some stunning Carmignano luxury villas, only twelve kilometres from Prato if you wish to stay in this area for a few days.
Textile manufacture made up quite a lot of Prato’s economy as can be seen from the informative textile museum here. Also of interest to history lovers is the Datini Archives on display here. This is a collection of books and manuscripts that belonged to a merchant called Francesco di Marco Datini.
This marvellous literary find provides us with a wonderful insight into the life of the merchant class in the 14th and 15th century. The man who left such an abundance of learning in his wake is buried in the Church of San Francesco in Prato.
On your trip here, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Santo Stefano which contains many colourful frescoes painted by Filippo Lippi and a pulpit designed by Master Sculptor, Donatello. The famous Virgin Mary Relic is held here, a simple belt that is believed to have been hers. Music lovers might enjoy a splendid opera performance at the elegant Teatro Metastasio.
Of course, a visit to Prato would not be complete without a walk around the majestic Castle of the Emperor here, a wonderfully preserved fortress. It began construction in 1237 and was completed a decade later. It was originally built for the King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II.
On your trip here, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Santo Stefano which contains many colourful frescoes painted by Filippo Lippi and a pulpit designed by Master Sculptor, Donatello. The famous Virgin Mary Relic is held here, a simple belt that is believed to have been hers. Music lovers might enjoy a splendid opera performance at the elegant Teatro Metastasio.
Of course, a visit to Prato would not be complete without a walk around the majestic Castle of the Emperor here, a wonderfully preserved fortress. It began construction in 1237 and was completed a decade later. It was originally built for the King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II.
Prato is a major advocate of Tuscany’s Slow Food Movement and produces many artisan food products locally that you simply must try! Taste the local sweet biscotti called Cantucci which are often eaten after a meal along with a glass of Vin Santo…delicious!
The famous actor and director, Roberto Benigni hails from Prato. He’s starred in many TV shows and films including the bittersweet film based on World War II in Italy called “La Vita è Bella”, meaning Life is Beautiful.
A trip to Prato for a few days is guaranteed to be a superb tourist experience so why not include it in your next Tuscany touring plans!
The famous actor and director, Roberto Benigni hails from Prato. He’s starred in many TV shows and films including the bittersweet film based on World War II in Italy called “La Vita è Bella”, meaning Life is Beautiful.
A trip to Prato for a few days is guaranteed to be a superb tourist experience so why not include it in your next Tuscany touring plans!
Photo credits
picture 2: Massimilianogalardi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Massimilianogalardi / CC BY-SA 3.0;
