The Duomo of Prato
You can visit the Duomo during these tours: Classic Walking Tour of Prato, Art & Food Tour in Prato and The Duomo of Prato
Info and booking: info@chebellezzatour.com – Silvia +39 339 2594233 – Caterina +39 320 0768294
I stand in front of the most ancient and important church of Prato: the Santo Stefano Cathedral, the Duomo of Prato, a splendid example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, chest of wonderful art treasures, both ancient and modern, all to be discovered!
I am always fascinated by its characteristic white and green two-coulored facade and, above all, by its marvelous external Pulpit, great work of two great 15th-century artists: Michelozzo and Donatello, whose partnership has resulted in this impressive architectural and sculptural masterpiece that enhances the entire facade. This magnificent work of art was created for the exposition of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, very important relics venerated by Prato’s citizens and kept inside the Duomo, in the Holy Girdle Chapel, the most sacred place of the city. I am always bewitched by the bright colors and fairy-tale tone of the beautiful frescoes that decorate this Chapel, masterpieces of the 14th-century artist Agnolo Gaddi.
The interior of the Cathedral, with its apparent Romanesque simplicity, keeps other wonderful masterpieces, like the Chapels of the transept, painted by great artists such as Filippo Lippi and Paolo Uccello. Those who love Lippi’s delicate painting will be enchanted by the beautiful frescoes which adorn the Main Chapel. Next to these wonderful ancient works, the Cathedral also houses interesting sculptures by contemporary artists such as Robert Morris and Joseph Spagnulo, in a mix of old and modern that has always characterized a city open to new and contemporary as Prato is!
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The Santo Stefano Cathedral (Duomo of Prato)
Prato, Piazza del Duomo (Duomo Square).
Opening days: every day, from Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm. On Sundays and Holy Days: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm. Closing day: Tuesday.
Entrance ticket: € 5 (full entrance ticket). For info about reduced tickets and free admission, visit the website of the Cathedral.
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- The external Pulpit
- Glazed terracotta above the Duomo’s door
- The Holy Girdle Chapel (credits: http://www.pratoartestoria.it/id52.htm)
- The central nave of the Duomo
- The exterior of the Duomo of Prato
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