Cathedral (Duomo di Prato)

The cathedral in Prato is dedicated to St. Stephen. The cathedral is located in the center of the city, on the Cathedral Square (piazza del Duomo).

The cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Prato. Back in the 10th century, historical documents mention the parish church of St. Stephen. Some experts suggest that this parish church existed already in the 5th century. From the 10th to the 15th century, the church was repeatedly rebuilt and changed. Basically, the structure of the current building dates back to the 12th century. At the same time, the bell tower of the cathedral was erected (the upper part of the bell tower was then added in 1356-57). In the 14th century, the church was expanded, as the flow of pilgrims to the local relic - the belt of the Virgin (according to legend, this relic is in the temple since 1141). At the same time, in the 14th century, a transept was added. Researchers assume that the architectural project could be performed by Giovanni Pisano. The houses in front of the cathedral were demolished, a large square was formed in front of the temple, which was filled by the people on holidays.