An itinerary where industrial archeology, culture and shopping blend together perfectly
Prato's textile district is home to a vast industrial heritage characterized by buildings of great architectural value, evidence of industrial archeology and people whose work has contributed to enhancing the city and its history. This itinerary allows visitors to discover the city's industrial architecture on a journey of about an hour and a half, from the south to the north of Prato.
The itinerary starts at the city's former public slaughterhouses, now home to the Officina Giovani (Youth Workshop), a multipurpose space for exhibitions, concerts and shows.
Creativity is on the agenda here, as is evident in the murals created by up-and-coming young artists who decorate the surrounding buildings.
In a space of about 8,000 square meters, these five buildings - built between 1930 and 1970 - have undergone an extraordinary transformation and have become a point of reference for youth policies through the active design of the space.
The itinerary starts at the city's former public slaughterhouses, now home to the Officina Giovani (Youth Workshop), a multipurpose space for exhibitions, concerts and shows.
Creativity is on the agenda here, as is evident in the murals created by up-and-coming young artists who decorate the surrounding buildings.
In a space of about 8,000 square meters, these five buildings - built between 1930 and 1970 - have undergone an extraordinary transformation and have become a point of reference for youth policies through the active design of the space.
Not far away and adjacent to the city's ancient 14th-century walls, are the buildings of the former Lucchesi wool mill “Ex Lanificio Lucchesi”, a company established in the early 20th century.
The original location on Via Carradori, is still home to the Lanificio Marco Lucchesi - Vivere in Tessuto, a wool mill run by the third generation of the same family that founded it: with the 14th-century walls serving as a backdrop, the modern facility contains the sample archive where you can admire collections and garments that have been in the facility for more than 100 years.
Not far away and adjacent to the city's ancient 14th-century walls, are the buildings of the former Lucchesi wool mill “Ex Lanificio Lucchesi”, a company established in the early 20th century.
The original location on Via Carradori, is still home to the Lanificio Marco Lucchesi - Vivere in Tessuto, a wool mill run by the third generation of the same family that founded it: with the 14th-century walls serving as a backdrop, the modern facility contains the sample archive where you can admire collections and garments that have been in the facility for more than 100 years.
The next stop is the Museo del Tessuto (Textile Museum), located inside the Campolmi Complex. It is one of the world’s most important spaces dedicated to art and textiles and offers a journey of discovery into ancient and contemporary textiles and the city's textile traditions.
Cimatoria Campolmi is one of the oldest factories in the area. It dates back to the 19th century and was built on the ruins of an old mill.
The next stop is the Museo del Tessuto (Textile Museum), located inside the Campolmi Complex. It is one of the world’s most important spaces dedicated to art and textiles and offers a journey of discovery into ancient and contemporary textiles and the city's textile traditions.
Cimatoria Campolmi is one of the oldest factories in the area. It dates back to the 19th century and was built on the ruins of an old mill.
Continuing north along Viale Galilei, you will find the Lanificio Figli di Michelangelo Calamai, a wool mill and an icon of industrial architecture in Prato, now a student residence.
The building was one of the largest textile factories in the area and now contains a mural by the artist DEM.
Inside, the structures with wide spans supported by lightweight reinforced concrete beams and pillars - dating back to 1924 - are attributed to the firm Poggi e Gaudenzi, for which the young engineer Pierluigi Nervi worked: this is why they are mentioned in numerous architectural studies.
Continuing north along Viale Galilei, you will find the Lanificio Figli di Michelangelo Calamai, a wool mill and an icon of industrial architecture in Prato, now a student residence.
The building was one of the largest textile factories in the area and now contains a mural by the artist DEM.
Inside, the structures with wide spans supported by lightweight reinforced concrete beams and pillars - dating back to 1924 - are attributed to the firm Poggi e Gaudenzi, for which the young engineer Pierluigi Nervi worked: this is why they are mentioned in numerous architectural studies.
The site of Beste Hub, which gives people a chance to experience and purchase high-quality garments completely Made in Prato at the company store, the Former Affortunati Wool Mill (Ex Lanificio Affortunati) has been active since after World War II and is the final stop on this journey through the history of Prato's textile industry.
The site of Beste Hub, which gives people a chance to experience and purchase high-quality garments completely Made in Prato at the company store, the Former Affortunati Wool Mill (Ex Lanificio Affortunati) has been active since after World War II and is the final stop on this journey through the history of Prato's textile industry.
A visit to the Lucchesi mill is by appointment only and, before going, you should check the opening hours of the Beste Hub outlet.
