Prato, by bike

A network of cycling routes to enjoy nature and have fun, but also to explore nearby towns and cities in the area.
Five thematic itineraries that cross through important areas take cyclists on a unique journey of the city. Cyclists will discover rivers, parks, nature, culture, urban fabric, panoramic viewpoints and some fun facts, in addition to important historical, natural and artistic jewels. Rest stops can be taken at fountains, restaurants, parking lots and monuments.

Here are the routes:

Galceti and Monteferrato
From the ancient hamlet of Figline, the route crosses the Protected Area of Monteferrato: 600 hectares of terrain, with special geological characteristics. The route continues to the Galceti Park, a splendid natural oasis measuring 8 hectares of pine trees, near Monteferrato, seat of the Centro Scienze Naturali, which can be visited. For years, it has has an important role in the protection of the park and its flora and fauna. Villa Fiorelli, located inside the park, is a magnificent residence from the 16th century that has recently been renovated and transformed into a hostel and convention centre.

Departure: Figline
Arrival: Ponte alla Dogana
Km: 1
Duration in time: 7'
Rest stops: Figline, Guado di Via del Fosso, Ponte alla Dogana


Along the Bisenzio River
Crossing the hills of the Rio Buti Torrent to the border of the municipal territory: a naturalistic route through small falls and deep woods. In the perpendicular trajectory of the Calvana, the itinerary boasts magnificent views of the city and overlooking olive groves and important villas: Villa Rucellai, a Renaissance villa that has been renovated several times through the centuries, and Villa del Palco, originally a country home of the merchant Datini that was later transformed into a convent. Near the central station, the route travels into the historic centre. Near Gonfienti, the route crosses the area on an ancient settlement.

Departure: Ponte di Rio Buti, in the direction of the Valdarno
Arrival: Gonfienti
Km: 9,3 km
Duration in time: 73'
Rest stops: Ponte sul Rio Buti, Gonfienti


Around the walls of Prato
This route takes cyclists in the city, through a series of urban public parks. The route travels at the same level of the river and over all of the city's bridges: from Ponte XX Settembre it goes to Piazza San Marco, Castello, the jails and other monuments in the historic city centre. The ancient city walls date back to the 14th century and offer cyclists a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Departure: Guado di Via del Fosso
Arrival: Ponte Bailey
Km: 6,6
Duration in time: 50'
Rest stops: Guado di Via del Fosso, Santa Lucia, Ponte Bailey


The countryside and hamlets
Traveling along the ancient rural roads, much of this route travels along white dirt roads and along the Bardena Torrent. The panorama offers cyclists a view of the cultivated lands in Prato. Leaving the banks of the Bardena Torrent, crossing Tavola, the route goes to the Parco della Cascine. Cascine Park was established in the mid-15th century by Lorenzo il Magnifico, who transformed these wetlands into a large agricultural estate that provided the fresh fruit and vegetables to the city of Florence. The seat of Slow Food Arcigola is located in the park today; there is also a prestigious golf course and a horse ranch.

Departure: Ponte alla Dogana
Arrival: Innesto Torrente di Iolo
Km: 7
Duration in time: 52 '
Rest stops: Ponte alla Dogana, Innesto torrente di Iolo

You can rent bicycles in the following places:
Stazione Centrale, Stazione del Serraglio, piazzale Ebensee (hospital), via Toscanini (san Paolo), piazzale Nenni.