Prato

Italy

Prato is a city of 186,710 inhabitants in Tuscany, immediately to the west of Florence, and also the capital of the Province of Prato since 1992. The city is famous in Italy and beyond for textile production and for the famous biscotto di Prato (biscuit with almonds better known as "cantuccio").

In the last few decades, Prato has enjoyed a significant population boom and increased immigration. It is now the second largest city in Tuscany, third largest in central Italy (after Rome and Florence) and the eighteenth largest in Italy.

The Duomo of Prato

Prato is the low-profile cousin of Florence and Pisa in the Central Italy region of Tuscany. Not as mobbed with tourists and without the typical tourist ripoffs it nonetheless has a history and artistic heritage dating back to the Etruscan civilisation and everything since, plus great food. It's a great place to stay and save a few euros while doing day trips to Pisa or Florence.

As regards the area, Prato is a city that is part of the north-east and covers about 100 km². Located at the foot of the mountain of Retaia, it is bisected by the Bisenzio River, a tributary of the Arno.

  • Tourist Information Office, Piazza Buonamici, 7, +39 574 24112. Open daily.

Tourist Information Office, Piazza Buonamici, 7, +39 574 24112. Open daily.

  • Duomo of Prato. At the large Piazza del Duomo is the Cathedral of Santo Stefano. A splendid example of Romanesque - Gothic Tuscan, the Cathedral is characterized by clever use of two colors on alberese clear and serpentine green marble from Prato, typical materials of the town until 1400. On the right side of the front is the famous pulpit, built between 1433 and 1438 by Michelozzo and decorated by Donatello. The pulpit was designed specifically for the Exposition of the Holy Girdle of the Virgin Mary, preserved in the chapel inside the Basilica. There are splendid, precious frescoes of the "Dance of Salome" by Filippo Lippi in the Cappella Maggiore.
  • Bishop's Palace. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace (14th-17th century), part of which is occupied by the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

In the territory of Prato, probably since the eighth century, there was a reorganization of the Church with the division into districts that were owned by new churches, the churches (from plebs, the people, namely the community of the baptized), with the baptismal font. The churches listed below are those that were already in medieval churches and are included in the diocese of Prato:

Prato was long known as "City of the Virgin" for the strong Marian devotion that, initially linked to the veneration of the Sacred Belt, then grew with the construction of shrines dedicated to Our Lady (three parishes are today), these are is recently added one dedicated to St. Anthony Mary Pucci.

Duomo of Prato. At the large Piazza del Duomo is the Cathedral of Santo Stefano. A splendid example of Romanesque - Gothic Tuscan, the Cathedral is characterized by clever use of two colors on alberese clear and serpentine green marble from Prato, typical materials of the town until 1400. On the right side of the front is the famous pulpit, built between 1433 and 1438 by Michelozzo and decorated by Donatello. The pulpit was designed specifically for the Exposition of the Holy Girdle of the Virgin Mary, preserved in the chapel inside the Basilica. There are splendid, precious frescoes of the "Dance of Salome" by Filippo Lippi in the Cappella Maggiore.

Bishop's Palace. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Bishop's Palace (14th-17th century), part of which is occupied by the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

  • Fourteenth-century walls. Within these gathered almost all the major historic buildings. The hexagonal circuit of the walls enclosing the original core city of Prato, dotted with ancient tower houses. thumb
  • Castello dell'Imperatore. Fortress, also known as Santa Barbara or Swabian castle, can be considered the most important architectural evidence of the 9th-13th centuries. Palazzo Pretorio
  • Piazza del Comune. Created at the end of the 13th century, the intersection of two main roads of the city. In the central area of the square is the Fountain of Bacchino, which was cast in bronze between 1659 and 1665 by Ferdinando Tacca, during the recognition status of city of Prato. In front of City Hall (located in the square) is also found in white Carrara marble statue dedicated to the merchant of Prato, Francesco Datini Antonio Garella (1896).
    • Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Comune, 2 (overlooking Praetorian Palace, +39 574 1836220. It was created as the seat of the priors, linking different buildings. It houses the Town Hall. In the hall of the Municipal Council are held two frescoes of the 14th century, representing an Allegory of Justice and Majesty. Inside the building are kept several portraits of the Podestà of Prato and the Granduchi of Tuscany.
    • Palazzo Pretorio and Museum, Piazza del Comune, +39 574 1934996 or +39 574 1837860 (on weekends). Mon, Wed-Sun 10:30-18:30 (last admission at 18:00), Tue closed. The old Town Hall Lawn, located in the town square opposite of the current Town Hall. Since 1912 it has housed the Museo Civico. After major restoration works the palace and museum opened again in 2013 to the public. €8.
  • Datini Palace, Via Ser Lapo Mazzei, 43, +39 57421391. It was the home of the famous merchant Francesco di Marco Datini (Prato 1335-1410). He leaves an important witness to himself, made up of records and correspondence, which constitute a substantial fund today filed with the State Archives of Prato, which is housed in the old house.
  • Sculpture by Henry Moore, Piazza San Marco. This is one of many contemporary works of art that the city hosts. The square-shaped cut of the famous contemporary sculptor Henry Moore.

Fourteenth-century walls. Within these gathered almost all the major historic buildings. The hexagonal circuit of the walls enclosing the original core city of Prato, dotted with ancient tower houses.

Castello dell'Imperatore. Fortress, also known as Santa Barbara or Swabian castle, can be considered the most important architectural evidence of the 9th-13th centuries.

Piazza del Comune. Created at the end of the 13th century, the intersection of two main roads of the city. In the central area of the square is the Fountain of Bacchino, which was cast in bronze between 1659 and 1665 by Ferdinando Tacca, during the recognition status of city of Prato. In front of City Hall (located in the square) is also found in white Carrara marble statue dedicated to the merchant of Prato, Francesco Datini Antonio Garella (1896).

  • Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Comune, 2 (overlooking Praetorian Palace, +39 574 1836220. It was created as the seat of the priors, linking different buildings. It houses the Town Hall. In the hall of the Municipal Council are held two frescoes of the 14th century, representing an Allegory of Justice and Majesty. Inside the building are kept several portraits of the Podestà of Prato and the Granduchi of Tuscany.
  • Palazzo Pretorio and Museum, Piazza del Comune, +39 574 1934996 or +39 574 1837860 (on weekends). Mon, Wed-Sun 10:30-18:30 (last admission at 18:00), Tue closed. The old Town Hall Lawn, located in the town square opposite of the current Town Hall. Since 1912 it has housed the Museo Civico. After major restoration works the palace and museum opened again in 2013 to the public. €8.

Piazza del Comune. Created at the end of the 13th century, the intersection of two main roads of the city. In the central area of the square is the Fountain of Bacchino, which was cast in bronze between 1659 and 1665 by Ferdinando Tacca, during the recognition status of city of Prato. In front of City Hall (located in the square) is also found in white Carrara marble statue dedicated to the merchant of Prato, Francesco Datini Antonio Garella (1896).

  • Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Comune, 2 (overlooking Praetorian Palace, +39 574 1836220. It was created as the seat of the priors, linking different buildings. It houses the Town Hall. In the hall of the Municipal Council are held two frescoes of the 14th century, representing an Allegory of Justice and Majesty. Inside the building are kept several portraits of the Podestà of Prato and the Granduchi of Tuscany.
  • Palazzo Pretorio and Museum, Piazza del Comune, +39 574 1934996 or +39 574 1837860 (on weekends). Mon, Wed-Sun 10:30-18:30 (last admission at 18:00), Tue closed. The old Town Hall Lawn, located in the town square opposite of the current Town Hall. Since 1912 it has housed the Museo Civico. After major restoration works the palace and museum opened again in 2013 to the public. €8.

Piazza del Comune. Created at the end of the 13th century, the intersection of two main roads of the city. In the central area of the square is the Fountain of Bacchino, which was cast in bronze between 1659 and 1665 by Ferdinando Tacca, during the recognition status of city of Prato. In front of City Hall (located in the square) is also found in white Carrara marble statue dedicated to the merchant of Prato, Francesco Datini Antonio Garella (1896).

  • Palazzo Comunale, Piazza del Comune, 2 (overlooking Praetorian Palace, +39 574 1836220. It was created as the seat of the priors, linking different buildings. It houses the Town Hall. In the hall of the Municipal Council are held two frescoes of the 14th century, representing an Allegory of Justice and Majesty. Inside the building are kept several portraits of the Podestà of Prato and the Granduchi of Tuscany.
  • Palazzo Pretorio and Museum, Piazza del Comune, +39 574 1934996 or +39 574 1837860 (on weekends). Mon, Wed-Sun 10:30-18:30 (last admission at 18:00), Tue closed. The old Town Hall Lawn, located in the town square opposite of the current Town Hall. Since 1912 it has housed the Museo Civico. After major restoration works the palace and museum opened again in 2013 to the public. €8.

Datini Palace, Via Ser Lapo Mazzei, 43, +39 57421391. It was the home of the famous merchant Francesco di Marco Datini (Prato 1335-1410). He leaves an important witness to himself, made up of records and correspondence, which constitute a substantial fund today filed with the State Archives of Prato, which is housed in the old house.

Sculpture by Henry Moore, Piazza San Marco. This is one of many contemporary works of art that the city hosts. The square-shaped cut of the famous contemporary sculptor Henry Moore.

  • Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea "Luigi Pecci", Viale della Repubblica 277, +39 574 5317.
  • Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. This museum is adjacent to the cathedral and occupies parts of the Bishop's Palace (14th-17th century).
  • Museo del Tessuto, Via Puccetti 3, +39 574 611503.
  • Fondazione Museo e Centro di Documentazione della Deportazione e Resistenza, Via di Cantagallo, 250 (in Figline) (Take bus 12A from Piazza San Domenico. It stops in front of the museum, +39 574 470728. Museum of Deportation and centre of documentation.
  • Galleria virtuale. art museum of "Images of the sacred" permanent exhibition.
  • Quadreria. collection of paintings held in the Town Hall.
  • Museo di pittura murale.
  • Centro di Scienze Naturali.

Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea "Luigi Pecci", Viale della Repubblica 277, +39 574 5317.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. This museum is adjacent to the cathedral and occupies parts of the Bishop's Palace (14th-17th century).

Museo del Tessuto, Via Puccetti 3, +39 574 611503.

Fondazione Museo e Centro di Documentazione della Deportazione e Resistenza, Via di Cantagallo, 250 (in Figline) (Take bus 12A from Piazza San Domenico. It stops in front of the museum, +39 574 470728. Museum of Deportation and centre of documentation.

Galleria virtuale. art museum of "Images of the sacred" permanent exhibition.

Quadreria. collection of paintings held in the Town Hall.

Museo di pittura murale.

Centro di Scienze Naturali.

  • Teatro Metastasio, Via Benedetto Cairoli, 59. Venue for operas, theatre plays and concerts. Built in 1830.
  • Teatro Politeama Pratese, Via Garibaldi, 33/35.
  • Corteggio storico di Prato. Annual event in September

Teatro Metastasio, Via Benedetto Cairoli, 59. Venue for operas, theatre plays and concerts. Built in 1830.

Teatro Politeama Pratese, Via Garibaldi, 33/35.

Corteggio storico di Prato. Annual event in September

  • Biscottificio Antonio Mattei, Via Ricasoli, 20, +39 574 25756. Mon closed. Has made delicious biscotti di Prato since 1858.
  • There is a large Coop supermarket near Piazza San Marco between the historic city centre and the main train station.

Biscottificio Antonio Mattei, Via Ricasoli, 20, +39 574 25756. Mon closed. Has made delicious biscotti di Prato since 1858.

The original biscotti di Prato Prato is the wellspring of biscotti di Prato, also called cantuccini, so why not indulge while you are there? They are commonly accompanied by vin santo, a Tuscan dessert wine.

Ristorante Amalfi, via Strozzi, 207, +39 338 8917671, +39 0574 483010.

Ristorante Pizzeria Da Giovanni - Cavallino Rosso, v. Pistoiese, 26, +39 0574 23143.

Mangia, v. Ferrucci, 173, +39 0574 572917. Tu-Su 19:30-24:00. Pizza €6-10. Mains €13-18.

Ristorante Pizzeria Il Mercante, v. Traversa il Crocifisso, 47, +39 0574 627174. M-Sa 12:30–15:00, 19:30–23:00. Mains €12-35.

Ristorante Pizzeria Lo Scoglio, Via Verdi, 42, +39 574 22760. Daily 19:15-24:00.

Fancy King - Ristorante Pizzeria, v. Valentini, 21, +39 0574 581343. M-F 12:30–15:00, 19:30–24:00; Sa-Su 19:30–24:00.

Pizzeria Il Ragno, v. Valentini, 133, +39 0574 596700. Di Adorni Eraldo & C. s.n.c.

Ristorante Pizzeria Il Piccolo Borgo, v. Ferro, 390/b, +39 0574 643060. M-F 12:00–14:30, 19:00–24:00; Sa 19:00–24:00. Pizza €7-13, mains €12-20.

Prota Catering, v. Guinizelli, 20, +39 0574 634478.

Don Chisciotte, Viale Galileo Galilei, 21, +39 0574442903.

Il Pirana, Via Giuseppe Valentini, 110, +39 574 25746.

Pepe Nero, Via Zarini 289, +39 0574 550353.

Ristorante Pizzeria Sancho Panza, Via Giuseppe Valentini, 39, +39 0574757383.

Enoteca Ristorante Razmataz, Piazza Mercatale, 107, +39 0574 448619.

Il Palazzolo, Via Mazzini Giuseppe, 37, +39 0574 400730.

Pizzeria Re Nudo, Via Baldinucci Quirico, 3, +39 0574 27720. Closed Monday. Di Quattrocchi Domenico.

La Vecchia Cucina di Soldano, Via Pomeria, 23, +39 0574 34665.

  • Babaloo, Via Roma, 2/4 (Porta S. Trinita), +39 0574 448600. Ristorante bar pub.
  • Cencio's, Via Strobino 1., +39 0574 580788.
  • Controsenso, Via Dino Saccenti, 31/33 - Prato, +39 393 1151351. Free admission for members ACSI. Concerts start at 23:00. Closed: Monday and Tuesday.
  • Enoteca Razmataz, Piazza Mercatale 107/108/110, +39 0574 448619, +39 338 5690611 (Cellulare), +39 393 0521015. Tu-W 7PM–12:30AM, Th 7PM–1AM, F-Sa 7PM–1:30AM. Tu-W prix fixe menu for €20 with reservation.
  • Exenzia Club, Via Ettore Sambo, 10, +39 336 3722344, +39 333 3546607. F-Sa 9PM-3AM. Rock club with concerts of various kinds. Smoking area inside. Free admission for members ACSI.
  • Hop Store, Via Terracini, 11, +39 0574 440629. Beers from Italy, the UK, Belgium and Germany.
  • I Francescaioli, Piazza San Francesco 8, +39 0574 607499, +39 348 7723940. Daily 08:00-16:00, 19:00-24:00. Ristorante - pizzeria - pub Mains €8-13, pizza €4.50-8.50.
  • Kellerplatz, Via Migliorati, 7, +39 0574 41364. Concerts and live music.
  • Le Barrique. Wine bar: Via G. Mazzoni, 19 - Prato. Aperitif every evening. Wine-tasting.
  • Palasport Bowling Prato, Via F. Ferrucci 309, +39 0574 591310. M-Th 8:30PM–1AM, F 8:30PM–2AM, Sa 3:30PM–2AM, Su 3:30PM–1AM.
  • Pub Mostodolce, Via Dell' Arco, 6., +39 0574 21973. M-W 19:30-02:00, Th-Sa 19:30-02:30.
  • Siddharta, Via Traversa Pistoiese, 83, +39 0574 35906. alternative club
  • Wallace GastroPub, Piazza Mercatale, 24, +39 0574 442003. Su-Th 11:00-02:00, F-Sa 11:00-03:00.

Babaloo, Via Roma, 2/4 (Porta S. Trinita), +39 0574 448600. Ristorante bar pub.

Cencio's, Via Strobino 1., +39 0574 580788.

Controsenso, Via Dino Saccenti, 31/33 - Prato, +39 393 1151351. Free admission for members ACSI. Concerts start at 23:00. Closed: Monday and Tuesday.

Enoteca Razmataz, Piazza Mercatale 107/108/110, +39 0574 448619, +39 338 5690611 (Cellulare), +39 393 0521015. Tu-W 7PM–12:30AM, Th 7PM–1AM, F-Sa 7PM–1:30AM. Tu-W prix fixe menu for €20 with reservation.

Exenzia Club, Via Ettore Sambo, 10, +39 336 3722344, +39 333 3546607. F-Sa 9PM-3AM. Rock club with concerts of various kinds. Smoking area inside. Free admission for members ACSI.

Hop Store, Via Terracini, 11, +39 0574 440629. Beers from Italy, the UK, Belgium and Germany.

I Francescaioli, Piazza San Francesco 8, +39 0574 607499, +39 348 7723940. Daily 08:00-16:00, 19:00-24:00. Ristorante - pizzeria - pub Mains €8-13, pizza €4.50-8.50.

Kellerplatz, Via Migliorati, 7, +39 0574 41364. Concerts and live music.

Le Barrique. Wine bar: Via G. Mazzoni, 19 - Prato. Aperitif every evening. Wine-tasting.

Palasport Bowling Prato, Via F. Ferrucci 309, +39 0574 591310. M-Th 8:30PM–1AM, F 8:30PM–2AM, Sa 3:30PM–2AM, Su 3:30PM–1AM.

Pub Mostodolce, Via Dell' Arco, 6., +39 0574 21973. M-W 19:30-02:00, Th-Sa 19:30-02:30.

Siddharta, Via Traversa Pistoiese, 83, +39 0574 35906. alternative club

Wallace GastroPub, Piazza Mercatale, 24, +39 0574 442003. Su-Th 11:00-02:00, F-Sa 11:00-03:00.

  • Florence, right next door, is the obvious place for day trips
  • The hill town of Fiesole is another neighbour of Florence, with its own Etruscan-to-now history and charm.
  • Lucca — Puccini's birthplace; beautiful old town surrounded by ancient walls
  • Pisa — for the world famous Leaning Tower and the rest of the Campo dei Miracoli
  • Siena, a Medieval city with a unique character, history and great artistic heritage