PROVINCIA DI PRATO DELLA TOSCANA
Carmignano — known as on the "Road of the Wine" or wine routes, the "roads of the wine" are areas that have a high level of wine production. This road has antique origins winding between the Province of Pistoria and Florence. In Carmignano DOC's such as the Barco Reale di Carmignano, the Carmignano Rosato or the Carmignano Rosso as well as the Carmignano Rosso di Riserva (both DOC) are produced.
Montemurlo — this area has a number of villas and estates of rich merchant families.
The Barone's Villa can not be visited which is too bad as it is one of the most beautiful villas in the area. It was at one time the hunting villa for the Medici.
Strozzi's Villa in Bagnolo is another one that can not be visited. Set off by a larger park you won't get too close to this one.
Pazzi's villa in Parugiano can not be visited
Poggio a Caiano — check out grand Renaissance living. About 7 km south of Prato to the Villa Medicea. Walk the grounds. Then you can take a tour of the Villa. From June to August, daily 8:15-6:30. September, April and May daily till 5:30. During March and October daily till -4:30. Plan your schedule as just to keep you on your toes it is closed the 2nd and 3rd Monday of month.
Prato — although always controlled by Florence, Prato did make a name for itself. Many a battles too place here. The Castello dell'Imperatore was built by Frederick II and is his only castle in Northern Italy. He has so many. Not much inside the castle to see.
Behind the castle is the unfinished black and white marble facade of the Santa Maria dell Carceri.
A little north is the Piazza del Duomo is the location of the Cathedral of St. Stephen, built in green and white stripes, similar to the Duomo is Siena. See the Pulpit of the Sacred Girdle. It was designed in 1482 and has relief's of dancing children.