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Cascine di Tavola Park A historical and natural oasis in the urban fabric

Explore the green heart of Prato: the Cascine di Tavola Park, a 300-hectare oasis which is the true pulsating lung of the city. Born way back in the 15th century thanks to the brilliant project of Lawrence the Magnificent, this park was an integral part of the ancient agricultural estate of the Medici Villa of Poggio a Caiano.

Since it is immersed in an area characterized by frequent floods, a network of canals was created to manage the waters between Tavola and Bonistallo. An imposing embankment was built along the Ombrone river, while the Farm or Cascina, with its majesty, supplied the entire city of Florence with its products. The structure, anchored in history and surrounded by moats and fortified walls, refers to the architecture of Lombard farmhouses.

Time has seen the estate pass from hand to hand, undergoing significant transformations. Today, although it hosts a popular golf course, it maintains an area dedicated to agriculture.
Large expanses of meadows and wooded areas, inhabited by a rich variety of flora and fauna, make the Cascine di Tavola a fascinating place, ideal for relaxing walks or cycling excursions. An unmissable experience to connect with nature in a context full of history.

The Cascine di Tavola Park is also the starting point of the Medici Route, a 78.3 km path that connects Prato to Fucecchio, crossing 8 other municipalities and offering an immersion in history and nature.

Please remember that access to the Cascine di Tavola is not permitted to dogs, as it is a wildlife breeding area.

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Suggested itineraries Suggested itineraries

To the South: from Tavola to the Ombrone river

South of the Cascine di Tavola, starting from the district of the same name, the western passage of the Park welcomes visitors. Along an avenue framed by majestic pine trees, known as "Viale della Fattoria", the road opens towards what remains of the sumptuous Medici farm. This suggestive building, with an architecture reminiscent of the typical Po Valley farmhouses, is surrounded by turrets at the corners and protected by a moat.

From here, veering left along Viale del Caciaio, it is possible to extend the adventure to reconnect with the northern ring. However, if you follow a different path south, crossing quiet roads, you will reach the bank of the Ombrone river.

There, majestic and imposing, stands the Leopold II Bridge, an elegant architectural structure erected in 1833 by the illustrious Alessandro Manetti and subsequently damaged during the Second World War. Since 2019, thanks to a meticulous restoration work, this magnificent suspension bridge has returned to connect the two banks of the Ombrone, giving it new life and splendor.

From this panoramic point, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the suggestive Villa di Poggio a Caiano and the enchanting Bargo di Bonistallo. A journey of about 30 minutes, from the village of Tavola to Ombrone, which crosses flat and easy terrain, ideal for a walk without difficulty but full of emotions.


To the North: the lowland forest

The northern side of the Cascine di Tavola is an open and inviting expanse that welcomes visitors as they arrive as they walk along Viale dei Lecci. The enchanting Viale del Caciaio opens up later, offering spectacular views that embrace the entire surrounding area. Among cultivated lands and ancient farms, the gaze is lost in the enchanting profile of the Medici farm.

Having reached the end of this avenue and turning right before the hydraulic structures, you cross the threshold of the ancient plain forest. This place was once the Grand Duke's private hunting reserve, and even today, after the dirt road, the dense "Pavoniere" forest awaits to be explored. Crossing it, you finally return to the starting point, in an experience that enchants the senses.

For those who wish to extend this adventure, just follow the Viale del Caciaio up to the Viale della Fattoria and rejoin the southern route. An itinerary of about an hour, a ring that winds through flat and easily practicable terrain, makes this excursion an unparalleled experience.

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