Prato

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.

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

More about Prato

Make it happen

See all travel services

Prato

Things to do

All things to do (21)
Activities (2)
Entertainment (1)
Restaurants (4)
Shopping (2)
Sights (12)
Tours (0)

Make it happen

Our favourite Prato Blogs (beta)

Some Days Are Like That, Even In Switzerland

Blog: Away Together - 13 May 2010

“This is one of those days,” I said on our first full day in Switzerland as rain fell in sheets outside the window, obscuring the Alps.

Read the full post

See all Prato blogs