Prato is on the train line from Lucca to Florence, making it easy for me to visit. I get off the train at Porta al Serraglio, which takes me directly to the old part of Prato.
I was surprised to learn that it is the second largest city in Tuscany, after Florence, with around 195,213 residents. Prato’s economy has long been based on textiles and its current textile district is the largest in Europe, made up of about 7,000 fashion companies.
Not far from the station is the Prato Cathedral, which was already in existence in the 10th century. It is in a beautiful piazza with a delightful fountain in the centre.
Donatello’s pulpit.
The town mixes old and new well. There are lots of modern shops, bars and restaurants that fit into the ancient setting.
Not far along the street from the Cathedral is Palazzo Pretoria, built in the 13th century in red bricks. The white stones are a late-Gothic addition. The external staircase and clock were added in the 16th century.
A statue of Prato’s famous citizen, known as the Merchant of Prato, is in front of the palazzo. Francesco di Marco Datini (1335 – 1410) is known for having implemented the first partnership system in business in 1383. He had no legitimate or male heirs and left the bulk of his fortune to a charitable foundation established in his name, the “Casa del Ceppo dei poveri di Francesco di Marco”, which still exists today.
Castello dell’Imperatore built by Frederick II of Hofensraufen on top of a previous fortification of which 2 towers remain. It was built between 1237 and 1247. Frederick II died during construction and the interior was never completed. It is open to the public.
Parts of the old walls of Prato are still intact.
Prato has an excellent textile museum which celebrates its long history with spinning, weaving and much more in the creation of textiles and clothing. A new exhibiton was being installed so only one part of the museum was open, an excuse to return.
A fulling machine used in the cloth finishing process, from the 19th century.
An old wooden loom.
A spinning wheel.
A sewing machine from the end of the 19th century.
An example of silk.
The textile museum is excellent and requires lots of time for anyone interested in how our garments are made and how the process has developed. There were groups of students of various ages going through the museum while I was there. Perhaps there were some budding designers among them.
Another reason to return…Cantucci, a type of biscotti were invented in Prato in the 1800s and are still produced by local traditional makers. Of course you can now buy them anywhere, but buying them where they were first made sounds like a plan.
I would have liked to spend more time in Prato, but on the way into the city there was an announcement on the train telling of the train strike. There were only a few trains running so I had to leave early or wait until the evening. Sciopero is word you need to know in Italy. Stikes happen often, usually on a Friday.
Fascinating museum, it looks as if the old sewing machine was operated whilst standing up. The age of the buildings always fascinates me too – what those stones have seen.
By: Jan on March 18, 2024
at 10:07 am
It was an excellent museum. I will go back when the next exhibition is on.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 18, 2024
at 2:37 pm
Hello Deborah
I enjoy your posts and photos! Wish I was back there.
Just wondering if you could adjust the colour of the type or the background as gret against beige background is quite hard to read.
Keep sharing!!
By: Susanne Bremner on March 18, 2024
at 10:21 am
Thank you for reading. There are so many lovely towns to visit. The background is white and the type almost black. Perhaps you need to adjust the brightness on your screen.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 18, 2024
at 2:39 pm
It’s so nice to see the photos of the Centro Storico Prato. We have never thought to get off the train to visit there and now you have inspired us to do so. Thank you for your inspiring posts!
By: Brigitte Lehnert on March 18, 2024
at 2:42 pm
Prato is a lovely town. I wish I had been able to stay for lunch, there some good restaurants and I need to go back for some cantucci!
By: Debra Kolkka on March 18, 2024
at 3:34 pm
I know all too well about rail strikes in Italy, Debra. While I was in the Navy, my ship was ported OUTSIDE the Napoli harbor (too big to get in). I took three weeks leave, flew to Cobenhaven, Eurailed to Paris, Dijon, Bern, and on into Milano. I had three days of leave left and planned to spend one each in Milano, Firenza, & Roma. But when I got off the train in Milano, there were notices posted everywhere that the entire country was going on a four-day rail strike! I meekly tucked my tail between my legs, got back on the train, and made it back to Napoli before my leave ran out. I have always wanted to go back to see what I’ve missed, but have never (yet!) had the opportunity. You have a lovely eye for detail, Lady!
By: Rob Mc Artor on March 18, 2024
at 10:17 pm
I hope you make it back one day! Strikes are a pest. I had not seen any notices and only heard the announcement when I boarded a train in Lucca. Most services were cut…ho hum.
Anyway, I managed to fit in a few things in Prato and I am inspired to return.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2024
at 5:54 am
We agree with Rob, you do have a great eye for detail & that is why we enjoy your photos so much. As one who loved sewing ( well once upon a time) I am thankfull our machines were more simple.
By: Camillus Davall on March 18, 2024
at 11:25 pm
I am pleased I sew on a modern sewing machine. Having said that, my Bernina is more than 60 years old and I love it!
By: Debra Kolkka on March 19, 2024
at 5:55 am
Ha! I too have been caught up in the Sciopero. Beware! Your lovely photos and details again take me back to a memory of this interesting and historic city. It is often bypassed by the hoards of tourists heading for nearby Florence and hence much quieter and easier to wander. Thanks again Debra!
By: Doug Petroni on March 21, 2024
at 2:01 pm
I have been caught by strikes before and have learned to look for the notices, but I missed them this time. Fortunately some trains still run.
Prato is lovely and I will return.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 24, 2024
at 7:47 am