Prata: Medieval Village Between Churches, Orchards and History

Prata combines a medieval village on a rocky spur with churches, historic buildings, orchards and the religious tradition surrounding the Madonna del Canale.

For culture enthusiasts, Prata’s key points of interest include the Cassero, the Pieve, the Madonna del Canale, Pia of Dante and the village’s historic orchards.

Prata and the Medieval Cassero Senese

The medieval village of Prata is located on a rocky spur in the municipality of Massa Marittima. The Cassero Senese dates back to the 11th century, is regarded as a symbol of Prata and served as the village centre for centuries. An arched opening made of hewn stone blocks is one of its visible features; at the same time, the Cassero in Prata is used as living space.

Churches, Coats of Arms and Art in the Village

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta is located in the highest part of Prata and dominates the entire area. The coat of arms of the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala can be seen on its gabled façade. The side altars date from the 18th century and house a Madonna del Rosario from the Sienese school.

The Chiesa di San Sebastiano della Misericordia is located immediately outside Prata. The small single-nave church dates from the 19th century. The Cisterna di Dogana is also part of Prata. It was built with a system of gutters and channels to collect all the rainwater from the upper part of the village, including water from the Cassero and the church.

Madonna del Canale and the Landscape Around Prata

The Oratorio della Madonna alla Fonte Vecchia is located in the woods around Prata. The Madonna delle Grazie is venerated there; in the village, she is known as the Madonna del Canale. Her feast is held every Whit Monday and celebrated solemnly every three years. During the celebration, the image of the Madonna delle Grazie is carried in procession to the Oratorio at the Fonte Vecchia and then back to the church.

Prata is known as the village of Pia of Dante.

Historic Orchards and Excursions Around Prata

In addition to the village’s history, Prata is home to two historic orchards. They preserve six fruit varieties from Tuscany’s regional fruit heritage. The orchards are therefore also part of the village’s rural surroundings.

The motorcycle route “In moto sulle colline metallifere grossetane” covers 60 km and is designed for one day. The Italian title refers to the metal-rich hills of Grosseto and broadens the view from Prata to the surrounding landscape. Guided excursions to villages and paths around Massa Marittima are available for groups of 2 to 20 participants; booking at least 48 hours in advance is required.

Other places: Cura Nuova and Tatti.

For the overarching travel overview: Massa Marittima.