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Prato
The area of Prato has very ancient origins, which
are testified to by the presence of monuments from the Etruscan and
Roman periods. Rich in historic artistic treasures such as Cathedral
of St Stephen, an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, Prato
is also a modern city that looks towards the future. Its “Luigi
Pecci” centre for Contemporary Art is a point of reference for the
entire region. This is a region that has made itself known in the
world for the quality production of its textile industry. The Valley
of the Bisenzio, further to the north and bordering on the
Tusco-Emilian Apennines, is a hill and mountain zone with areas of
unquestionable naturalistic value.
To the south
on the hills of Montalbano rise magnificent Medici villas and land
churches built in panoramic position. The humble and simple cuisine
makes use of classic ingredients. The salted prepared meats, such as
the traditional Prato mortadella, are very tasty. The wines of the
hill zones are of considerable importance: among these, the
Carmignano red can be considered one of he oldest wines in Italy.
The sweet Vin Santo is traditionally associated with the famous
Prato hard, almond biscuits known as “Cantuccini”. |
