This is a journey for those interested in medieval charm and places surrounded by a fantasy aura! Let's start from the city centre...

We can only start from one of the most distinctive symbols of Prato: the Emperor's Castle. Its grandeur stands out majestically in the urban landscape of Prato, ideally connecting to the Medieval Keep walkway, the corridor that connected the walls near the Porta Fiorentina (Florentine Gate) with the interior of the castle through the rear entrance.

Still in the heart of the centre, we find the remains of the bastions that define the hexagonal plan of the ancient city walls.

Proceeding north, following the clockwise route, the Bastion of the Owls (in Via Curtatone) stands out for its imposing structure, with irregular stone masonry and traces of gunboats.
A short distance away, the Bastion of the Jews (near Porta al Serraglio station), begun around 1530 to a design by Bernardo Buontalenti, retains its stone structure with some covered gunboats, although it is only partially visible.
The Bastion of the Gallows, near Piazza Mercatale, - the only one accessible inside - takes its name from the capital executions that took place in that place.
Going on, we find the Bastion of Santa Chiara and that of Santa Trinita, the latter now integrated into a private residence.
The Bastion of San Giusto (clearly visible from Via Cavour) was built in 1555 by order of Cosimo I de' Medici, with the aim of defence.

The itinerary then moves away from the centre, heading north along the Bisenzio Valley (where the Melagrana Tower, the Fortresses of Cerbaia and Vernio stand), and then descends towards Montemurlo, where it is possible to visit its awesome fortress.

Continuing south, in the Montalbano area, you reach the Fortress of Carmignano.

For those who love trekking, there is the Route of the Fortresses, a path that connects four of the fortresses on the route: Montemurlo, Melagrana, Cerbaia and Vernio. A different opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature and history of these places.

Information note: the part of the itinerary in the city centre can be easily done on foot. For the remaining part it is recommended to use the car.
The Fortress of Cerbaia and the Melagrana Tower can be reached, in the last stretch, only on foot and equipped with sports shoes.
The only museum structure is the Emperor's Castle.
The Medieval Keep is open for events and temporary exhibitions.