The Duomo of Prato stands on the main square of the town. The Pulpit of the Sacra Cintola (Holy Girdle) to the right of its facade, has a frieze of dancing cherubs designed by Donatello in 1438.
Inside, the first chapel on the left holds the Sacra Cintola di Prato (Virgin’s Girdle), which is displayed for the public from the pulpit outside on Easter Sunday, May 1; August 15; September 8; and Christmas Day.
Frescoes in the chapel are by Agnolo Gaddi from 1392-5 and relate how the Girdle reached Prato. When a local merchant married a Palestinian woman in 1141, she brought it with her. She had inherited it from the Apostle Thomas, who was given it by the Virgin before her Assumption.
Also in the Duomo is Fra Filippo Lippi’s masterpiece, “The Life of St.John the Baptist” 1452-66.
Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 49
50047 Prato
Toscana
P. +(0574)-29339
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