Pulpit of Prato Cathedral, Renaissance marble pulpit at Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Prato, Italy
The pulpit of Prato Cathedral is a white marble structure projecting from the building's exterior wall, featuring seven relief panels with dynamic figures set against mosaic backgrounds. These panels are carefully positioned on the cathedral's outer facade and form a remarkable decorative composition.
Commissioned in 1434, this pulpit resulted from collaboration between master artists Donatello and Michelozzo, who completed the structure over a 10-year period. This work marks an important moment in Tuscan Renaissance art development.
This pulpit serves as the stage for displaying the Sacra Cintola, a sacred girdle believed to belong to the Virgin Mary, presented to crowds twice each year. Visitors witness how this venerated object is revealed from this special vantage point.
The artwork is located on the cathedral's exterior facade and is visible from the street, making it easily accessible from ground level. The original relief panels are now preserved in the Museum Opera del Duomo, while precise replicas remain mounted on site.
The seven marble panels demonstrate careful geometric planning that exemplifies Renaissance craftsmanship. This focus on mathematical proportions was a hallmark of the artists' innovative design approach.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
