Guidebooks Prato

Prato, a small Tuscan province situated north of Florence, is one of the most important cultural destinations of the whole region. Outstanding monuments and works of art are complemented by important museums of contemporary art and cultural events, which are able to attract large numbers of tourists belonging to every age group all year round.

On September 8, important sacred buildings cherishing inestimable works of art turn into traditional pilgrimage destinations gathering believers from all over the world, since the Holy Girdle cherished by the Duomo is carried across the streets of the old town.

The charming countryside of the province of Prato hosts two of the most beautiful villas of the Medici Family: Villa di Poggio in Caiano, which was commissioned by Lorenzo the Magnificent and realized by Giuliano da Sangallo, and Villa di Artiminio, which was designed by Buontalenti in the late sixteenth century.

A short distance from Prato's old town, on the slopes of Monteferrato, the enchanting naturalistic oasis of the local Centre of Natural Sciences offers the lovers of animals and open-air activities the possibility to experience a closer touch with nature.