Castello dell'Imperatore

About the museum

The Castello dell’Imperatore was built from 1237–1240 to a design by Riccardo da Lentini, on the site of the former castle of the Alberti, for the emperor Frederick II of Swabia. Frederick II never came to Prato: the fortress housed his vicar in Tuscany, who controlled the road south through the Montepiano pass. In 1248 King Enzo and Frederick of Antioch set out from Prato to conquer Florence.

In the 14th century the Florentine government turned the fortress into a military garrison and prison, linking it to the city walls with a covered passage, the Cassero. After centuries of different uses, the Comune di Prato restored it and opened it to visitors; the Ghibelline crenellation was restored in 1933.

The castle has a square plan with sides of about 40 metres, corner towers and towers at the midpoints of the sides; the walls, of alberese stone, are about 2.5 metres thick. The entrance portal combines Romanesque, Gothic and classical influences and is flanked by the lions of Swabia. From the inner courtyard a staircase leads to the upper walkway, which offers panoramic views over the city and the plain; works by the contemporary artist Salvatore Cipolla are displayed in the towers. In summer the castle hosts events, concerts and outdoor screenings.

Highlights

• The only Swabian architecture in Tuscany, with a square plan and corner towers
• Portal with Romanesque, Gothic and classical influences and the lions of Swabia
• Upper walkway with views over Prato and the plain
• Works by Salvatore Cipolla displayed in the towers
• Inner courtyard for events and summer concerts

Permanent exhibition

• Camminamenti, torri e opere di Salvatore Cipolla – Visit to the courtyard, the towers and the upper walkway of the Swabian fortress; works by the contemporary artist Salvatore Cipolla are displayed in the towers.

Operated by

Comune di Prato

Visitors per year

approx. 52,510

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the castle is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Inside and on the upper walkways, access is by one of two spiral staircases with steps of alberese stone.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit