San Domenico, Prato, Romanesque church in Prato, Italy
San Domenico is a Romanesque church with a marble-decorated front section on its lower level and a plain brick upper portion. The structure includes an adjoining monastery and a bell tower that together formed one cohesive religious complex.
Construction of the complex began in the late 13th century and continued over several decades, with the bell tower added in the early 14th century. A severe lightning strike in the 17th century caused extensive damage, leading to major renovations that permanently altered the building's appearance.
Inside, the church holds paintings and sculptures that reflect the tastes and beliefs of those who supported its construction and decoration. These artworks reveal how the community valued religious devotion and artistic skill over many centuries.
The building is open during daylight hours for visitors to explore at their own pace and view the architectural details and artwork inside. You should be prepared for uneven floors and dimmer lighting in some areas of the interior.
Several of the building's original Gothic windows were sealed shut after the 17th-century lightning strike and remain hidden beneath the outer brick surface today. These concealed architectural features serve as a reminder of the church's medieval phase before extensive repairs transformed its look.
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