Prato
Latest page update: 10 December 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The city of Prato is the capital of the province of Prato. It has a population of around 200,000 residents, making it the second-largest city in Tuscany after Florence.
Prato is renowned for its textile industry, which has been thriving since the Middle Ages and continues to be a significant part of the city's economy. The city is also famous for its historic architecture, including the impressive Prato Cathedral and the medieval walls surrounding the old town, attracting tourists interested in its rich cultural heritage. |
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Prato: the Tuscan textile city
Prato, a dynamic city in Tuscany, combines historical charm with modern vitality. Its centerpiece is the striking Prato Cathedral, boasting intricate architecture and stunning artwork. The city's rich textile heritage is celebrated at the Textile Museum, showcasing centuries-old fabrics and machinery.
Art lovers can explore contemporary works at the Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art. Nearby, the medieval fortress of Castello dell'Imperatore offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias and explore the nearby Carmignano wine region for wine tasting experiences. Prato's bustling streets, vibrant markets, and cultural events provide a vibrant backdrop for exploration and discovery.
Art lovers can explore contemporary works at the Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art. Nearby, the medieval fortress of Castello dell'Imperatore offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias and explore the nearby Carmignano wine region for wine tasting experiences. Prato's bustling streets, vibrant markets, and cultural events provide a vibrant backdrop for exploration and discovery.
Comune di Prato
Province: Prato
Region: Tuscany Population: 196,317 (in 2024 - source) Size: 97 km² Top sights: Prato Cathedral, Santa Maria delle Carceri Close by: Florence, Pistoia, Medici Villas and Gardens, Lucca Recommended accommodation: Hotel Giardino |
Public transport: two central train stations, local buses
By car: Florence - 38 mins (25 km), Pisa - 1 hour (86 km) |
Fly to: Florence Airport - 16 minutes by car (13 km)
By train: Florence - 20 minutes, Pistoia - 20 minutes |
What are the most popular tours and activities in Prato?
- Prato Cathedral (Duomo di Prato): Visit the impressive Prato Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Stephen, and admire its striking façade, elegant interior, and renowned frescoes by Filippo Lippi. Guided tours offer insights into the cathedral's history, art, and architecture.
- Textile Museum (Museo del Tessuto): Explore Prato's rich textile heritage at the Textile Museum, showcasing centuries of textile production and innovation in the city. Visitors can admire exquisite fabrics, machinery, and artifacts, as well as learn about Prato's role in the global textile industry.
- Contemporary Art Museum (Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci): Discover contemporary art at the Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art, featuring rotating exhibitions of international and Italian contemporary artists. Guided tours provide insights into contemporary art trends and movements.
- Historic Centre Walking Tour: Stroll through Prato's historic center with guided walking tours, exploring its medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, and historic landmarks such as the Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo Datini. Tours often include visits to local markets, artisan workshops, and traditional bakeries.
- Biscotti Making Workshops: Experience Prato's culinary traditions with biscotti (Italian cookies) making workshops, where visitors can learn to make traditional cantucci and other Tuscan treats. Participants can sample their creations and take home recipes to recreate the flavors of Prato.
- Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano: Take a short excursion to the nearby Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Renaissance architecture and lush gardens. Guided tours provide insights into the villa's history and its association with the powerful Medici family.
- Culinary Experiences: Indulge in Tuscan cuisine with food tours and tastings that showcase local specialties such as ribollita (Tuscan soup), pecorino cheese, and Chianti wine. Visitors can sample delicacies at traditional trattorias, wine bars, and markets, while learning about Prato's culinary traditions and gastronomic heritage.
Where should I eat in Prato?
- Osteria del Filarete: Located in the heart of Prato's historic center, Osteria del Filarete is a cozy trattoria known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and warm hospitality. The menu features classics such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and bistecca alla fiorentina, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Ristorante Il Cantuccio: Situated near Prato's Duomo, Ristorante Il Cantuccio offers a refined dining experience in an elegant setting. The restaurant specializes in creative interpretations of Tuscan cuisine, with dishes that showcase the region's rich culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu that includes homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood.
- Trattoria Da Tito: A favorite among locals, Trattoria Da Tito is a family-run restaurant known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious food. The menu features a variety of Tuscan specialties, including homemade pastas, hearty soups, and grilled meats, all served in generous portions at affordable prices.
- Ristorante Il Calandrino: Located in a historic building near Prato's Piazza San Francesco, Ristorante Il Calandrino offers a contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant's innovative menu features creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list showcasing the best of Tuscany's vineyards.
- La Taverna di Pulcinella: Situated in the charming neighborhood of Borgo al Cornio, La Taverna di Pulcinella is a cozy trattoria known for its authentic Neapolitan cuisine. While not strictly Tuscan, this restaurant offers a delightful change of pace with its delicious pizzas, seafood dishes, and homemade desserts.
What should I eat in Prato?
- Crostini Neri: Crostini neri, or "black crostini," are a traditional dish from Prato made with slices of toasted bread topped with a savoury chicken liver pâté enriched with capers, anchovies, and sage. It's a classic appetizer or antipasto in many Prato restaurants.
- Pappardelle sulla lepre: Pappardelle sulla lepre is a hearty Tuscan pasta dish featuring wide ribbons of pasta served with a ragù made from wild hare meat. The sauce is typically slow-cooked with tomatoes, red wine, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
- Schiacchata alla Pratese: Schiacchata is a traditional dessert from Prato, similar to a biscuit or cookie. It's made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, flavored with lemon zest and sometimes enriched with almonds. The dough is rolled out, cut into shapes, and baked until golden brown.
- Ravioli di magro: Ravioli di magro are delicate pasta parcels filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese and spinach, seasoned with nutmeg and Parmesan cheese. They're typically served with a butter and sage sauce or a light tomato sauce, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of Tuscan cuisine.
- Bistecca di Manzo alla Griglia: Grilled beef steak is a staple of Tuscan cuisine, and Prato is no exception. A bistecca di manzo alla griglia, or grilled beef steak, is often served in local restaurants, featuring high-quality cuts of beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil and grilled to perfection.
Prato Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Prato?
- Art Hotel Museo: Situated in the heart of Prato, this boutique hotel combines contemporary design with historical elements. It offers comfortable rooms, an art gallery, and a convenient location near attractions such as the Palazzo Pretorio and the Cathedral of Prato.
- Hotel President: Positioned close to Prato's central train station, Hotel President provides easy access to both the city center and neighboring towns like Florence. It offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine.
- Hotel Giardino: This family-run hotel offers a cozy atmosphere and personalized service. Located within walking distance of Prato's main attractions, it features comfortable rooms, a garden courtyard, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
- Residence Ferrucci: Ideal for travelers seeking self-catering accommodations, Residence Ferrucci offers fully furnished apartments with kitchenettes. It's conveniently located near public transportation and within walking distance of Prato's historic center.
What's the closest airport to Prato?
Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR):
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) (PSA):
- Located in Florence, approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Prato.
- Florence Airport is the closest major airport serving the region.
- From Florence Airport, you can reach Prato by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Prato takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Florence's main train station (Santa Maria Novella) and then catch a train to Prato Centrale Train Station.
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) (PSA):
- Located in Pisa, approximately 75 kilometers west of Prato.
- Pisa Airport is another option, although it's farther away compared to Florence Airport.
- From Pisa Airport, you can reach Prato by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Prato takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Pisa Centrale Train Station and then catch a train to Prato Centrale Train Station.
What's the main train station in Prato?
Prato Centrale Train Station (Stazione di Prato Centrale):
- Located in the city center of Prato.
- Prato Centrale Train Station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, including Florence, Pisa, and Bologna.
- From Prato Centrale Train Station, you can easily explore the city and its surroundings using local buses, taxis, or on foot.
What private transfer options are there for Prato?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Prato takes around 20 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Prato?
- Hertz:
- Address: Via Pietro Fanti, 94, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
- Phone: +39 0574 573474
- Europcar:
- Address: Via Antonio Gramsci, 164, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
- Phone: +39 0574 447044
- Avis:
- Address: Via Tiziano, 1/A, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
- Phone: +39 0574 400091
- Sixt:
- Address: Via Sandro Pertini, 5, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
- Phone: +39 0574 27331
- Budget:
- Address: Piazzale Piemonte, 16, 59100 Prato PO, Italy
- Phone: +39 0574 607560