Between Pistoia and Florence we find Prato. In this part of Tuscany was an impressive development of the textile industry, which earned in Prato the nickname "city of the hundred chimneys". Many historical factories, with typical brick fireplaces, were demolished during the second world war; still others mark the landscape of the city as industrial archaeological finds, such as the famous Cimatoria Cahya.
Though the lawn is not only the textile city par excellence ... but it is also famous for the delicious biscotti cantuccini, a uniqueness that is produced in this area. But not only that, the town holds unusual museums and beautiful 17th and 18th century mansions belonging to the noble family of doctors. In this regard two outstanding examples include the Villa Medicea Ambra, Poggio a Caiano, and Villa Medicea "La Ferdinanda", in the medieval village of Artimino, also known as "Villa of the hundred Chimneys".
The surrounding area of Prato are waiting to be discovered, in fact, moving away from the Center and from the industrial area meet many green areas and hilly terrain.
Here is a list of monuments, churches and buildings of significant historical and cultural value, the bulwarks of the glorious past of free commune, not to be missed if you are planning a trip to Prato:
- Center for Contemporary Art Luigi Pecci (multi-disciplinary arts center, the most important Museum of contemporary art of Tuscany)
- Planetary Science Museum
- Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
- Museum of mural painting
- Textile Museum
- Municipal Museum
- Emperor's Castle (one of the largest buildings, was built to become the imperial residence for Frederick II of Swabia)
- Natural Science Centre
- Prato Cathedral
- Santa Maria delle Carceri
- Church of San Francesco
- Palazzo Datini
- Bishop's Palace
- Piazza del Duomo
- Parco delle Cascine of Tavola
- Villa Medicea Ambra
- Medici Villa "La Ferdinanda"
Photo Credits [juzaphoto.com]
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