PRATO


PRATO
With its 188.000 inhabitants, Prato is another Tuscan province. Thanks to thehighly developed textile industry, the city is very popular.Prato was founded by the Byzantines; later it was invaded by the Lombards.Places to visit:Poggio a Caiano, Vernio, Montemurlo, Carmignano, Cantagallo and Vaiano.Major tourist attractions:
  • Prato Cathedral: the cathedral, with its white and green marble façade, is
the perfect example of Lombard Romanesque building. It dates back to the 6th century and houses masterworks by Michelozzo, Donatello, Mino da Fiesole, Filippo Lippi and Agnolo Gaddi.
  • Palazzo Pretorio: this medieval building was erected as the town hall and
housed the residence of the Potesta. The bell-tower and the crowning crenellations we can admire today were built later, in the 16th century. Nowadays it accommodates the Civic Museum.
  • Castello dell’Imperatore: this castle was built in 1240 for the Holy Roman
Emperor Frederick II. In the former layout it was included within the city walls. Since there was an underground dungeon, the church nearby was called Santa Maria delle Carceri (carceri meaning dungeons).

Local dishes:Biscotti di Prato (Prato Biscuits), Brutti ma Buoni (Ugly but Tasty biscuits).

Major events:
  • Corteggio Storico: this event is a celebration of the Madonna which takes
place in Prato every 8th September. Men and women dressed in costume make their way through the historic centre.
  • Contemporanea Festival: this sort of theatrical review is attended by Italian
and foreign artists.
  • Prato Estate (Summer in Prato): concerts and exhibitions take place every
year from July to September inside the Castello dell’Imperatore.

Testimonials

  • Shore Excursion from Livorno Harbour to Florence and Pisa

    Santiago Family from POrtorico. Shore Excursion to Pisa and Florence , back to the harbour. Thanks for travelling with us . Read more
  • Flavia Saiad

    After some days in Tuscany , here there are at the Station ready for another Italian's adventure Read more
  • Karen & Jhon from Boston

    E-mail dated back Septmber 2019
    Hi Sylvia - its' hard to believe but in a few weeks it will be a year since our wonderful trip to Tuscany and our three days of touring with you. We've told many, many people about our three days touring with you in Tuscany! We love to tell the story of the guy in the

    ... Read more
  • Judith Wolfe on Behalf of Linda Wolfe October 2018

    Dear Silvia,My customers have returned from their long extended trip to Italy. San Gimignano was their 1st stop.They said the tour you arranged was wonderful and the guide made it especially good, saying that he is one of the best they ever had.They also really enjoyed the lunch stop and view.Thank you... Read more
  • Mrs. Maristela Azevedo

    Hello, Silvia, how are you?
    I’d like to thank you for the great time you gave us!!!We loved everything!
    I told my husband that, the next time, we will rent an apartment in San Gimignano…and you will take us to the wineries…He loved it!
    Thank you very much for everything. It was everything wonderful!!!... Read more
  • Jaime Otero y Jose Carlos Gonzalez Bonilla

  • Shane Quintard

    Ciao Silvia!

    Grazie ancora per il grande tour di Siena e San Gimignano - io e mia moglie e amici aveva un grande momento e che era esattamente quello che speravamo! La cantina è stata una scelta eccellente, come pure! Abbiamo lasciato ieri (1 febbraio) e ha fatto arrivare a casa in modo sicuro, nonostante ... Read more
  • Carole Gaddis

    Hi Silvia,  It's so good to hear from you.  We're fine.  We had six days at home after Tuscany and then flew to South Korea for two weeks!  We've just returned, exhausted!
    We had such a great time with you, Silvia.  The tip could never be enough to show our appreciation for your kindness and help.  ... Read more
  • The British Institute of Florence

    Gentile Silvia,  La volevo ringraziare per la sua disponibilità riguardo la gita di sabato.  Le signore le hanno fatto tutte molti complimenti per la sua guida!
    Grazie e a presto,
    Cordiali saluti,
    Liz Read more
  • Mrs Elizabeth ( wedding Planner ) Original Tuscan Wedding

    Ciao Silvia,
    Ecco i complimenti dalle Sposi del 16 Ottobre!!
    Our driver Johnny was so awesome!  He drove us all over the Chianti region.  He took us to a few wineries and we had a private tour of one of the wineries including a wine tasting and oil tasting.  He even took us into a store with a cellar ... Read more