What to see while visiting the city of Prato

The city of Prato, the birthplace of the famous painter Filippo Lippi, hides monuments and works worthy of the Tuscan artistic heritage.
Visiting the center of Prato, it is possible to observe buildings and local streets that bear the marks of history and interventions of the past. Those who decide to spend a weekend discovering the city will have a long list of things to see without ever running the risk of getting bored.

A tour through the city of Prato

Starting from the center, the first monument to visit is the Cathedral of Prato, also known as the Basilica of Santo Stefano.

Inside the Basilica there is the relic of the Sacra Cintola della Madonna, flanked by the beautiful frescoes by Filippo Lippi. The façade, entirely built in marble with white and green stripes, attracts attention even in the distance, intriguing anyone for a closer and more careful observation.

In the same square of the Basilica is the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, where important paintings and sacred relics have been preserved.
Once out of the museum, it is advisable to continue towards Piazza del Comune, where it is possible to observe

• the Town Hall
• the Fontana del Bacchino e
• the Palazzo Pretorio.

The latter, an important medieval red brick structure, houses the works of various artists.
Particularly:

• Donatello,
• Saints of Titus,
• Lorenzo Bartolini,
• Batistello Caracciolo and of course
• Filippo and Filippino Lippi .

The next stop is the Church of San Francesco, beautiful and extremely significant. It was in fact one of the first Franciscan churches built and is located in one of the oldest areas of Prato.

In front of the church extends the Emperor's Castle, another must-see monument if you are visiting the city.
Its structure and external decoration confirm the origin and the reference to Swabian architecture, as well as the presence of the central patio.

Visitors can climb up to the upper walkway, passing through a narrow staircase located inside the tower. From the top, you have a magnificent view over the whole city, particularly suggestive if you choose the sunset time.

The square of the Church of San Francesco houses one last monument, the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri.

The Basilica was built on the remains of an ancient prison, as a symbol of "Christian piety".

Continuing along Via Mazzini you will reach Piazza San Marco, made even more special by the presence of a work in white marble, called “ Square shape with the cut ”, created by the artist Moore.

Sculpture is the symbol of passage from “ancient” Prato, with its historic center full of monuments, and the most modern and lively city, where you can have fun and relax.