Monash University Prato Centre

The Monash University Prato Centre occupies the first floor of an elegant 18th century palace, Palazzo Vaj, in the historic centre of an ancient Tuscan city, now famous for its textile manufacturing. Opened in 2001, the Monash University Prato Centre is one of the two European centres established by Monash as part of its vigorous internationalisation policy.

Palazzo Vaj is located in the centre of the old town of Prato, only two minutes away from the city's cathedral and walking distance from both train stations. The Monash University Prato Centre provides an ideal setting for academic workshops, seminars and conferences.

A guide to the Prato centre can be downloaded by clicking on this link. A map of Prato, with various points of interest, Hotels, etc., highlighted, can be downloaded here.

Prato-the city

Prato has a rich historical and artistic patrimony, including a mid 13th century castle built by the Hohenstaufen Emperors, almost perfectly preserved medieval walls which enclose the ancient city centre, a Romanesque cum Gothic cathedral dedicated to San Stefano with an external pulpit by Donatello and Michelozzo, the church of S.Maria delle Carceri by Giuliano San Gallo, and the well preserved Palazzo Datini, the fifteenth century home of the famous 'Merchant of Prato', Francesco Datini. The city is also home to the prestigious contemporary Art Centre 'Luigi Pecci' and to the highly acclaimed avant-garde theatre 'Metastasio'.

Prato is only a short distance from Florence and is well serviced by trains and buses. More information about Prato can be found at the "Tourist Information Office" website.