The Prato area has very ancient origins, shown by the presence of monuments from the Etruscan and Roman periods. Prato, rich in historical-artistic treasures, such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen – an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture - is also a modern city that looks towards the future, with the “Luigi Pecci” Contemporary Art Centre, a reference point for the entire region. A land that has been able to make itself known throughout the world for the quality production textile industry. The Bisenzio valley, further north and confining with the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, is a hilly and mountainous area with places of unquestioned naturalistic worth. To the south on the Montalbano hills, splendid Medici villas and parishes rise in panoramic positions. The cuisine is simple, humble, using classic ingredients. The sausages are tasty, such as the traditional Prato mortadella. Of considerable importance are the wines of the hilly areas, among which the Carmignano red that can consider itself one of the oldest wines in Italy. The sweet Vin Santo wine is traditionally accompanied by the famous Prato biscuits called “Cantuccini”.

Piazzo Duomo 8, Prato, 0574 24112


Website: www.prato.turismo.toscana.it


 

The Tuscan Archipelago is a constellation of islands that today are part of a National Park, among which Elba and Capraia are the largest. They offer a striking landscape scenery and present numerous signs of ancient Mediterranean civilisations, having been important crossroads for the navigation routes of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As well as the beautiful coasts, with tourism and hospitality resorts, even the inland offers surprising views: rugged and rocky landscapes, extraordinary examples of Mediterranean scrubland and olive- and vine-cultivated hills, where mild temperatures favour the production of excellent wines such as the Aleatico and Muscat. The sea holds places still immersed in an enchanted atmosphere of rare beauty, with the possibility of practicing water sports such as surfing, sailing and diving.

Website: www.aptelba.it