Prato is world-famous for its production of textiles. Less well known are the many historical and artistic attractions of the city, as well as its naturalistic surroundings and its local wine and traditional food production. Within the ancient medieval walls there are notable vestiges of historical times, such as the Castello dell’Imperatore, built in the mid 13th-century by the emperor Frederick II, or the buildings in the Piazza del Comune, especially the Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo Pretorio, both also dating from the 13th century. There are many outstanding religious buildings, the foremost of which is the San Stefano Cathedral, which contains masterpieces by Donatello, Paolo Uccello and Agnolo Gaddi, and the wonderful cycle of frescoes by Filippo Lippi. Other really notable religious buildings are the church of San Francesco, San Domenico and the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo.

The surroundings territory of the Province also boasts places of considerable cultural interest, such as the Etruscan tombs at Comeana and the two splendid Medici Villas, the one at Poggio a Caiano, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo, and the Villa La Ferdinanda at Artimino.

The geographical position of Prato, amid the valley of the Bisenzio, the Monti della Calvana and the Monteferrato hills, enables travellers easily to reach upland areas where they can make excursions through a great variety of landscapes (hilly, mountainous, wooded, typified by karstic phenomena or windswept grasslands).

The cuisine of Prato is simple, and based on traditions rooted in a peasant background. Among the most renowned products are the Mortadella di Prato, “extravergine” olive oil, best tasted raw on the typical Prato kind of bread – the Bozza – and the wines from the area of Carmignano. There are also numerous sweetmeats such as the famous biscotti di Prato, the amaretti of Carmignano, the zuccherini of Vernio and the sassi of the Calvana hills.

For further information:
APT- Agenzia per il Turismo di Prato
Piazza Duomo, 8 - Prato
ph. +39 0574-35141 / 24112 - fax +39 0574-607925.
www.pratoturismo.it
e-mail: apt@pratoturismo.it - info@pratoturismo.it

Tourist services and packages:
Consorzio Turistico Prato in Terra Toscana
www.turismoprato.com
e-mail: info@turismoprato.com

Services and Hospitality:  
Associazione Turistica Bella Tuscany - Prato cuore di Toscana
www.bellatuscany.it
e-mail: info@bellatuscany.it

Associazione A.P.I.C.E.
www.tuscanfarmholidays.com
e-mail: associazioneagriturismotoscana@gmail.com