Prata

A castle rich in history, Dantesque legends and monuments, nestled in the heart of Maremma

The medieval village of Prata stands on a rocky outcrop in the municipality of Massa Marittima and has been known as a medieval castle since the 11th century.
The lords of the castle, Ghibelline feudal lords of German origin, were expelled from the territory when Siena, which became Guelph in the second half of the 13th century, began to pick on Prata. In 1489, after another revolt, Siena handed over the territory to the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, which used it for cattle breeding until the territory found itself under the control of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Prata is also known as the village of Dante's Pia, as some historians believe that Dante's Pia may really have been Pia di Ranuccio di Filippo Malavolti, who became Lady of Prata after marrying Tollo in 1282.

Things to see

The 11th-century Cassero Senese is a symbol of the village and has represented the heart of Prata for centuries. Despite numerous alterations over time, it is still possible to see the structure, which dates back to the period of Sienese occupation between the 13th and 14th centuries, integrated into some of the houses in the historic center.

The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in the highest part of the village and dominates the entire area.
On the gabled façade, you can see the coat of arms of the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala.
The interior consists of a single nave with exposed roofing and the presbytery area is raised. The side altars date back to the 18th century and contain a Madonna of the Rosary belonging to the Sienese school.

The Church of San Sebastiano della Misericordia is a small, single-nave church, built in the 19th century, located just outside the village.

In the woods surrounding the village, you will find the Oratory of Madonna alla Fonte Vecchia, linked to a legend according to which the Virgin Mary appeared to some shepherds near a drainage channel of an old mine, where the Fonte Vecchia is located today.
Since that event, the protectress invoked by the entire population of Prata has become the Madonna delle Grazie, known as "Madonna del Canale", and she is venerated in this very oratory.