Prato is a cherished tourist destination located near Florence in Italy. Noted for its history , art and economy this place has number of museums, castles and monuments. Castello dell'Imperatore, Prato or the Castle of the Emperor exemplifies the architecture centuries XI-XIII in the city. This particular castle is a unique structure of Italy. The construction of the building was started in 1248 on behest of Emperor Federico II of Swabia . The Castello dell'Imperatore, Prato is one of the magnificent tourist attractions in Prato .
The castle is the result of the labor of architect Riccardo from Lentini. It is also known as the fortress of S.Barbara or Swabian castle. This is one of the most important architectural example of the early Middle Ages in Prato. What is unique about it is that, it is the sole example of Swabian castle in the center-north of Italy. The Castello dell'Imperatore in Prato was constructed as an integral part of the project which aimed at controlling the major link between the southern Italy and Germany.
The masons and workers of this building came specially from Apulia and the plan of the building was a square with four towers at the corners and apart from other four . There were two along the walls, and two, left over from the pre-existing fortress, in the middle. The style reflected here is Roman-gotico and there are liberal use of green limestone and alberese. The castle was recently revamped and has been opened to the public since 1975. though greater part of it was destroyed during the fascist movement in Italy.
Travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information of Castello dell'Imperatore, Prato and details of Prato tours
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