Prato - city of the modern textile industry

Prato, with around 195.000 inhabitants, is the second largest city in Tuscany and the capital of the province of Prato . It lies on the Bisenzio River, only about 20 kilometers northwest of Florence . Since the Middle Ages, Prato's economy has been based on wool and textiles – behind the city walls lies a tranquil old town with a cathedral, imperial castle, and Renaissance churches, which many Tuscany tourists overlook.

Sights in Prato

The historic center lies within the medieval city walls, which form an irregular hexagon. It is largely pedestrianized and can easily be explored on foot in half a day to a full day. A typical feature of many buildings is the alternation between light-colored Alberese limestone and green serpentine from nearby Monteferrato.

Cathedral of Santo Stefano and the Sacra Cintola

Der Dom ist dem heiligen Stephanus geweiht. Im Chor malte Filippo Lippi 1452–1457 einen berühmten Freskenzyklus mit Szenen aus dem Leben des Stephanus und Johannes des Täufers. An der Fassade fällt die runde Außenkanzel von Donatello und Michelozzo (1434–1438) auf: Von hier wird die Sacra Cintola, der Gürtel Mariens, fünfmal im Jahr gezeigt – an Ostern, am 1. Mai, am 15. August, am 8. September (mit historischem Umzug) und an Weihnachten. Die originalen Reliefs der Kanzel befinden sich heute im Dommuseum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo).

Castello dell'Imperatore

The Imperial Castle was built by the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II between 1237 and 1247. It is one of the few Hohenstaufen castles in central and northern Italy and, with its mighty walls and towers, is a striking feature of the old town.

Santa Maria delle Carceri and other churches

Right next to the castle stands Santa Maria delle Carceri, a central-plan Renaissance church designed by Giuliano da Sangallo. Other churches in the city include Santa Maria della Pietà and Santa Maria del Soccorso.

Museums

• Museo del Tessuto: Das Textilmuseum in der ehemaligen Fabrik Campolmi aus dem 19. Jahrhundert zeigt Stoffe, Maschinen und die Geschichte der Textilstadt Prato.
• Museo di Palazzo Pretorio: Art museum in the medieval town hall palace with works from Prato, including those by Filippo Lippi.
• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: with the original reliefs of the cathedral pulpit and sacred art.
• Centro Pecci: Center for contemporary art located slightly outside the city center.

Current opening hours and admission prices can be found on the official tourism portal pratoturismo.it.

Prato, the textile city: history and economy

From wool trading to industrial city

Prato wird im 10. Jahrhundert erstmals urkundlich erwähnt. Schon im Mittelalter war die Stadt ein Zentrum der Wollverarbeitung. Ihr berühmtester Bürger ist der Kaufmann Francesco Datini († 1410), dessen erhaltenes Archiv eine der wichtigsten Quellen zum mittelalterlichen Handel ist. Ab dem 19. Jahrhundert wuchs Prato zur Industriestadt, bekannt auch für die Wiederverwertung von Altkleidern und Wollresten zu neuen Stoffen. Im 20. Jahrhundert zogen viele Arbeitskräfte aus Süditalien zu.

The Chinese community

Since the 1990s, one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe has established itself in Prato. Thousands of businesses, primarily in the clothing industry (Pronto Moda), shape the local economy. A vibrant Chinatown with shops and restaurants has sprung up around Via Pistoiese.

Practical tips for your visit

• Arrival: Prato Centrale train station is on the Florence–Bologna and Florence–Pistoia–Lucca lines; by car via the A11 motorway (Prato Ovest/Est exit). The old town is a pedestrian zone; park outside the walls.
• Market: The large weekly market takes place on Mondays. You can find other markets in our overview. Weekly markets in Tuscany.
• Culinary: Try the Cantucci (Biscotti di Prato) and the Mortadella di Prato. The red wine Carmignano comes from the province – more on that later. Wine of Tuscany.
• Combine: Prato can be easily combined with Pistoia or combine it with a day in Florence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prato