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Introducing Prato
Virtually enclosed within Florence’s urban and industrial sprawl and a mere 17km to its northwest, Prato is one of Italy’s main textile centres. Tuscany’s second-largest town after Florence, it houses the country’s biggest concentration of Chinese immigrants, many of whom are now second- or even third-generation Pratese. Originally founded by the Ligurians, the city fell to the Etruscans, then the Romans.
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As early as the 11th century it was an important centre for wool production. Continuing the tradition, textiles, together with leather working, are to this day Prato’s main industries. It’s worth dropping in on your way to the more picturesque cities of Pistoia, Lucca and Pisa or as a half-day trip from Florence.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
