Piazza San Marco in Prato, Italy is one of the most beautiful and historically significant squares in the world. With its cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and stunning views, it is a must-see for any traveler to the area. Here are 10 things to do in Piazza San Marco to make your visit even more memorable.
1. Visit the Duomo di Prato: The Duomo di Prato, or the Cathedral of Prato, is an iconic landmark of the city. This beautiful Romanesque-Gothic style church was built in the 13th century and is one of the most impressive churches in Italy. The interior is decorated with frescoes and sculptures, and the exterior features a stunning bell tower.
2. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets: The streets of Prato are lined with cobblestones and are a great way to explore the city. Strolling through the streets will give you a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the city and admire the architecture of the buildings.
3. Visit the Palazzo Pretorio: The Palazzo Pretorio is a stunning palace located in Piazza San Marco. It was built in the 14th century and is now home to the Civic Museum of Prato, which houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts from the city’s history.
4. Visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a museum dedicated to the history of the Duomo di Prato. It houses a collection of art, sculptures, and other artifacts from the cathedral.
5. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the square: Piazza San Marco is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area that serve up delicious Italian cuisine.
6. Visit the Torre dell’Orologio: The Torre dell’Orologio is a clock tower located in the center of the square. It was built in the 15th century and is still in operation today.
7. Take a boat ride on the River Bisenzio: The River Bisenzio runs through Prato and is a great way to explore the city. There are several boat tours available that will take you along the river and give you a chance to take in the sights.
8. Take a stroll through the Parco della Certosa: The Parco della Certosa is a beautiful park located near Piazza San Marco. It is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and admire the lush vegetation, sculptures, and fountains.
9. Visit the Museo del Tessuto: The Museo del Tessuto is a museum dedicated to the history of textile production in Prato. It houses a collection of artifacts from the city’s textile industry.
10. Enjoy a gelato in the square: Piazza San Marco is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious gelato. There are several gelaterias in the area that serve up some of the best gelato in Italy.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Piazza San Marco, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. There’s something for everyone here, from the stunning architecture to the delicious food. So make sure to add this beautiful square to your itinerary when visiting Prato, Italy.