Prato

Explore culture from the middle ages through to contemporary art in one city

Prato is a city that never ceases to amaze and is perfect for those in search of less touristy destinations.
The city combines the ancient charm of its historic centre with the modern business and contemporary art district, in an itinerary that ranges from the Middle Ages to Avant-garde.

Tradition and innovation unite to form a strong combination that has, in recent years, made Prato a modern multicultural metropolis. Like every evolving city, knowledge also passes through that of its communities: here the Chinese community holds particularly deep roots in the city.

It’s also a textile city that has consistently inspired fabric collections, paving the way for the fashion and choices of major brands with the its excellence in production.

Events

To the most precious relic of Prato, the Sacra Cintola (the Sacred Girdle) - a green belt woven with golden threads which, legend has it, belonged to the Virgin Mary - is dedicated a heartfelt and participated recurrence, the Ostensione della Sacra Cintola (Ostension of the Sacred Girdle).
Normally kept in the chapel with the same name of the Cathedral, the relic is shown to the public five times a year: Christmas, Easter, May 1, August 15 and at the end of the Historical Parade on September 8.

Prato and its territory have hosted for over 40 years the Festival delle Colline (Hill’s Festival), an itinerant summer festival dedicated to music and theater, with events organized in very suggestive locations.

Finally, lovers of culinary traditions can mark on their calendar the Polenta Festival, held in San Quirico in Vernio on the first Sunday of Lent. The festival recalls an important historical event in the Prato area and celebrates one of its most typical dishes, the sweet polenta made with chestnut flour.