Prato (186.000 inhabitants (2008), 61 meters above sea level) is the most populous city in Tuscany after Florence, and a major industrial center, particularly the textile industry (yarn, fabrics, machinery). The city lies in a flat area along the valley of the Bisenzio river and is capital of the of the homonymous province, the last born (1992) in Tuscany. 

Prato originated in the Middle Ages as a strategic place along the roads connecting to the Apennines and the Po Valley, the city developed in the communal age thanks to trade, Frederick II, in 1247, built there the imposing Castello dell'Imperatore (Castle of the Emperor). The city in the fourteenth century became part of the possessions of Florence and was fortified by a new wall on which are five gates.

The historic center of Prato is the Piazza del Comune, here stands the Palazzo Comunale, with in the atrium the Fontana del Bacchino (Fountain of Bacchus), and the Palazzo Pretorio (Praetorian Palace) which houses the Museo Civico. The Piazza del Duomo is the religious center of Prato, the Duomo in pisano-lucchese Romanesque style dating from the thirteenth century, and its interior contains interesting works of art. Another interesting religious building in town is the church of Santa Maria delle Carceri, building with a Greek cross plan of the late fifteenth century, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo, next to the church is the imposing castle (Castello dell'Imperatore) built in 1247 by the Emperor Frederick II. Another interesting building is the Palazzo Datini dating from the fifteenth century. 

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market in Prato: monday
Weekly market, in Piazza Mercato Nuovo Zona Viale G. Galilei, every Monday from 8.00 to 13.30.

Tourist Information Office - Prato
APT Prato
Piazza Duomo 8 - 59100 Prato
Hours October-March: Mon. to Fri. 9-13.30/14.30-18.30; 9-13.30/14.30-18 Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10-13
Hours April-September: Mon. to Sat. 9-13.30/14 ,30-19, Sundays and holidays 10-13
Tel. 0574.35141 - fax 0574.607925

SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION IN PRATO:

River Bisenzio and the medieval walls of Prato