Symposium socials
Welcome reception in the courtyard
An aperitivo to open the symposium together — light bites, Tuscan wine, and a chance to put faces to names before the work begins on Monday.
The conference dinner
The set-piece social moment of the symposium: a long table somewhere lovely in Tuscany, generous food, generous conversation. Delegates and registered guests.
Arrivederci aperitivo
A final glass and a group photo as the symposium draws to a close. Brief but worth staying for.
Around the corner
Pocket recommendations within a few minutes' walk of the Prato Centre — handy for breakfast, an espresso break, or a casual dinner after sessions wrap.
Caffè di Piazza del Duomo
A morning ritual: stand at the bar, order a caffè, watch Prato wake up.
Pasticceria Nuovo Mondo
Local institution. The pesche di Prato (peach-shaped pastries) are unfairly good.
Osteria Cibbè
Cozy, well-priced Tuscan classics two minutes from Piazza del Comune. Book ahead.
Pepe Nero Pizzeria
Slick Neapolitan-style pizzas if you'd rather a wood-fired evening than a long sit-down meal.
Enoteca Barni
A Prato classic for natural wines and Tuscan small plates — easy after-session stop.
Gelateria La Stanza del Gelato
Worth the queue. Try the pistachio. (Or fior di latte. Or both.)
“The work happens in the rooms; the friendships happen in the courtyards. Allow time for both.”
Tuscan day-trips
If you're tagging on extra days either side of the symposium, Prato is a perfect Tuscan basecamp. All of these are reachable by direct or one-change train.
Florence
Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio. Endless. Always go for sunset on the Arno.
Lucca
Walk (or cycle) the city walls, then settle into a piazza with a glass of something cold.
Siena
The Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, and a glass of Chianti before the train home.
Cinque Terre
Rainbow villages on the cliffs. Best as an overnight if you can spare it.
Pisa
Yes, the tower. Yes, the photo. Plus a quietly beautiful old town beyond the crowds.
San Gimignano
The medieval skyline. White wine in the main square. World-champion gelato. Easy yes.