Prato Things to Do

Where?

Castello dell'Imperatore is in Piazza Santa Maria delle Carceri

What?

There is not much inside, the but the outside was impressive enough for me - a nice example of the 13th century military-style architecture which, unlike many European castles, was not redecorated into a luxurious palace.

It was built by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, hence the name

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It is a nice place to walk. Even though we were there late at night, there were some young people who were very friendly and explained a little bit about the buldings around. I really liked this place, it was so relaxing, peaceful and beautiful. I fell in love with Prato.

A pedestrian was very kind to inform us that this is the main catholic church of Prato dedicated to a martyr called St. Stephen.
It is known that it already existed by the 10th century so, this makes it one of the most ancient churches in town. I wish I had gone inside! :(

This castle was built by the order of the emperor and King of Sicily Frederick II. It is beautifully illuminated at night as you can see in the picture. Doing some research on the internet I found out some parts of the castle were demolished in 1930 and ended up as how it looks today.
I knew it is open to the public, so bad we were in Prato at night! But it was very worthwhile to see it illuminated. :)

... made by Ferdinando Tacca in the 17 th century. The fountain at the Comune square is actually a replica of the original that is kept at the entrance of the Comune Palace. The original is more elegant. The child on it actually has a name - Bacco.

or The Emperor's Castle is the most remarkable building to see in Prato. It was built by the Hohenstaufen Emperors, Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, in the 13 century.

The structure is based on four main towers in square shape whose vertexes indicate the cardinal points. The decline of the imperial politics in Tuscany prevented the completion of the interior of the castle: in the following periods the space was used according to different needs (barracks or later military prison).

The castle is decoration in two colours, adopted in Romanesque - gothic architecture in Tuscany:: the "alberese" in white or light grey, and the "serpentine" or green from Prato.

Emperor's Castle is open to visitors. The large inner yard host many public events.

Opening time:
October-March 9.00-13.00,
April-September 9.00-13.00 / 16.00-19.00.
Closed: Tuesday, Sunday and public holidays.
Fee: 2 Euro.
Discounted ticket: half price for under 18.
Free entrance: children under 12.

This is more than a tip - it's a must!
Prato is famous for its "biscotti" (cookies).
I'm sure most of you think you've had the authentic "biscotti di Prato" in some gourmet New York restaurant, or in some nice coffee shop! Some of you are probably saying: I bought the original ones at Citarella, in the Hamptons. Well, forget all the biscotti you've had so far.
This is the real thing: few people can make these cookies, and they seem to all work in Antonio Mattei's shop.
Check out the website to read the history of Prato's best kept secret, then come taste the secret.
Try the "biscotti", the "bruttibuoni", the "mantovana" and the "pan di prato" (the first two are cookies, the latter are cakes). Of course Mattei also exports some of its stuff, but it really isn't the same thing when you eat something that has travelled for months to reach you.

Cathedral of S. Stefano wouldn’t impress with its size but with its beauty. It’s one of the most beautiful Romanesque-Gothic churches in Tuscany. It’s colorful white and green façade and rich interior are really marvelous.