Prato Cathedral Museum, Prato

Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan city of Prato, the Prato Cathedral Museum, or Museo dell'Opera del Duomo di Prato, is a treasure trove of religious art and artifacts. Located adjacent to the Prato Cathedral, this museum offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich ecclesiastical heritage of the region.

Housed in a beautifully restored 14th-century bishop's residence, the museum's collection includes an array of liturgical items, textiles, sculptures, and paintings that have been amassed over the centuries. These pieces not only offer insight into the religious practices of the past but also showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artists who created them.

One of the highlights of the museum is the display of the sacred relic of the Virgin Mary's Holy Girdle (Sacra Cintola), a belt said to have been worn by Mary and given to Saint Thomas. This artifact has a special significance in Prato, and it is ceremoniously exhibited to the public from the cathedral's external pulpit, designed by Donatello, during certain religious festivals.

The Prato Cathedral Museum also features works by notable Renaissance artists, including Filippo Lippi and Agnolo Gaddi, whose contributions to the Cathedral's frescoes and altarpieces are well-documented in the museum's exhibits. The museum's collection extends to rare vestments and silverware, highlighting the opulence and artistic dedication that characterized the church's history.

The museum serves as a cultural hub for both art enthusiasts and those interested in the spiritual heritage of Prato. It provides an intimate setting where visitors can appreciate the close relationship between art and faith in the context of one of Italy's most historically rich regions.