Castello dell'Imperatore, Medieval fortress in Prato, Italy
The Emperor's Castle features eight towers with a square layout, including six square-based towers and two pentagonal ones at strategic positions along the walls.
Frederick II of Swabia commissioned architect Riccardo da Lentini to build this castle between 1237 and 1248 to control communication routes between Tuscany and Germany.
The castle's Gothic arch main gate displays white and green marble designs with lion sculptures that represent the authority of the Holy Roman Empire.
Visitors can explore the castle grounds, climb the towers for city views, and attend outdoor film screenings during summer months at this national heritage site.
The castle incorporates materials specifically transported from southern Italy, making it a rare example of Federician architecture in northern Italy.
Location: Prato
Inception: 1240
Founders: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Architects: Riccardo da Lentini
Architectural style: Frederician architecture
Phone: +39057438207
Email: serviziocultura@comune.prato.it
Website: http://www2.po-net.prato.it/artestoria/citta/castello/imperatore/pagina23.html
GPS coordinates: 43.87914,11.09784
Latest update: May 11, 2025 17:46
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