Palazzo Pretorio, Prato

Palazzo Pretorio in Prato is a medieval civic palace on the city’s cathedral square that houses municipal collections and displays of local art and history. Its core dates to the medieval period and it is one of the principal historic buildings in Prato’s historic centre.

The stone exterior, arcades and adjacent tower are visible from the cathedral square; inside are exhibition spaces used for civic and art displays. The palace forms part of the compact cluster of civic and religious buildings at the heart of Prato and is frequently visited alongside the cathedral complex.

Originally built and used as the seat of communal authorities and magistrates in the medieval city, the structure was adapted over centuries for civic use and museum display. Conservation work and reorganization of interior spaces have created modern exhibition areas while retaining the medieval exterior shell.

The palace stands in Piazza del Duomo in central Prato, immediately adjacent to the Cathedral and Baptistery, within easy walking distance of the railway station and other city-centre attractions.

• Proximity: Located on the cathedral square, making it easy to combine a visit with the Duomo and Baptistery of Prato.

What to See #

• Civic Museum: The building now contains the civic museum with municipal collections and rotating exhibitions of local art and history.
• Exterior and tower: The medieval exterior and adjacent tower form part of the historic ensemble on the cathedral square, directly beside the cathedral and baptistery.