A geographical central position close to Tuscan major art cities, fast and frequent highway and railway connections, comfortable and easily accessible hotels make Prato the right place to start your journey across Tuscany.
Of Roman origin, Prato was razed to the ground during the Greek Gothic war (6th century) and was reconstructed under Lungobard dominion. It proclaimed itself a free commune in the 12th century, prospering above all thanks to its flowering textile activity, which didn't end despite local conflicts and attacks from the nearby cities. The frequent wars of the 14th century led to the construction of the walls, which are still preserved today. Changing events led to Prato's submission to the power of the Angioni. Subsequently the city passed under the tutelage of Florence (14th century), nonetheless maintaining a certain autonomy. In 1653 it held the title of city and of diocese. The history of the city of Prato may be traced to the invasion of the Longobards in the 6th century A.D., who settled in the Val di Bisenzio and the area around Montemurlo, though the area has been inhabited since Paleolithic times. Succeeding periods saw the settlement of Ligurians, Etruscans (7th-10th centuries B.C.) and finally Romans, whose presence has been validated by several findings in the zone of Galceti, the archaeological area at Artimino and the ancient name of pagus Cornius attested by these places.
In the second half of the 11th century the city was formed by two distinct nuclei of habitation.

Capital city of the province of Prato since 1993, Prato is situated 61 meters above sea level in the plain which is traversed by the Bisenzio River between Pistoia and Florence. An important industrial center (textiles, manufacturing, chemical and mechanical sectors), it possesses notable Medieval and Renaissance monuments of historical and artistic value. These are well-conserved thanks to the circuit of walls built in the 1300's.

Further information: www.welcometuscany.it/tuscany/prato/