The main altar houses a 17th-century fresco of figures interacting with the framed 13th-century icon of the Madonna (1638), painted by Mario Balassi.
(meta data) TITLE: Church of Santa Maria della Pietà in Prato | Visit Tuscany Photo ©Sailko Places of worship # Church of Santa Maria della Pietà in Prato ## An example of post-Mannerist Florentine architecture Get directions keyboard_backspace The Church of Santa Maria della Pietà was built in Prato between 1617 and 1620, following a miracle connected to the 14th-century image of the Virgin and Child. The arrival of hordes of worshippers coming to see the extraordinary tabernacle led to the church's construction, designed by the Grand Duke's court architect Gherardo Mechini. The church, built according to the style of the Counter-Reformation, is considered one of the best conserved examples of post-Mannerist Florentine architecture. The interior is accessed through a Tuscan-order porch, where pilgrims once found refuge, and drenched in a well-installed light that directs our attention to the back wall, where the high altar is dominated from above by a large arch. This is where you can find an altarpiece by Mario Balassi from 1638, which juxtaposes well with the fresco at the centre of the wall depicting the miraculous event, attributed to Giovanni Bonsi. Some other works conserved in the church include paintings from the 1800s by Matteo Bertini and an 18th-century canvas painting of St. Theresa by Gherardini. More attractions in Pratokeyboard_backspace Luigi Pecci Contemporary Art Center The Deportation Museum Museum of Knives and Cutting Tools Emperor's Castle in Prato Prato Cathedral Museo del Tessuto Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso in Prato Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato Sanctuary of the Madonna del Giglio in Prato Cascine di Tavola Park Abbey of San Fabiano in Prato Teatro Metastasio in Prato In the heart of Tuscany, a city of art and prestige If there is one city that can impress those looking for lesser-known destinations, it's Prato. Considering how the city is presented in the press, visitors will be surprised to discover an elegant and well-preserved historic city centre, as impressive as the most famous Medieval cities dotting Tuscany. ... You might also be interested in Parish Church of San Leonardo in Artimino Museum of the San Pietro Apostolo Church in Prato Church of San Domenico in Prato Church of Sant'Agostino in Prato Parish Church of San Pietro in Figline Church of Spirito Santo in Prato Historical villas and gardens in Tuscany 5 wines paired with 5 Tuscan dishes
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Santa Maria della Pietà, Prato
History and Description.
The church was built between 1617-1620 to house a venerated 14th century icon of the "Madonna and Child" previously held in a tabernacle in the neighborhood (borgo) of Pesce. The church was designed by Gherardo Mechini who erected a typical Tuscan order portico. The interior has a delineated architecture recalling Brunelleschi churches. In 1699, the land adjacent was granted to the Discalced Carmelite nuns (Teresians), who built a convent. In 1786, the convent was suppressed, and the church became the Priory of Santa Caterina de’Ricci, but the Carmelites returned in 1792, and stayed until 1818, when they were moved to the Monastery of San Francesco. The Monastery was given to Gaetano Magnolfi to establish an orphanage and school. The former convent and orphanage is now a nursing home and cultural center. 
 The main altar was designed by mechini, but completed in polychrome marble by Giovanni Battista Cennini and Pier Maria Ciottoli.