The 'Prato' Gardens

As you can see from the above map the 'Prato' Gardens lie on the top of the hill between the Cathedral and the Fortress in an area of great archeological interest: the Roman and Etruscan Forum was here, in fact, with temples and public buildings. A vast natural depression separated the two hilltops corresponding to the settlements of the Cathedral and the Fortress. Between the XVII^th century and the beginning of the XIX^th century the cavity between the two hills was filled in to construct public gardens, which were designed in an oval shape, following Neoclassical style. They reached their current size in the first half of the XX^th century. From the walls of these   gardens we can enjoy a delightful view of the town buildings and the familiar countryside of the surrounding valleys. 

 The Prato was inaugurated in 1809 and it became a popular meeting place for entertainments, displays and festivities in the town.

In 1928 the marble monument to  Petrarch was erected in the middle of the park.