Destination
Monash University Prato Centre
Palazzo Vaj
Via Pugliesi, 26
59100 Prato
Italia
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Phone: +39 0574 43691
Email: prato@ita.monash.edu
The Monash University Prato Centre, housed in Palazzo Vaj, is 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 (Prato Porta Al Serraglio and Prato Centrale).
The Monash University Prato Centre was officially opened on September 17, 2001 at Palazzo Vaj in the heart of Prato's Centro Storico (historical centre). Monash secured this location with support from the Region of Tuscany and the local government of Prato.
The Prato Centre seeks to:
- develop and expand Australia's connections with universities, governments, cultural organisations and industry in Europe;
- develop and expand the opportunities for Monash and other Australian students to study overseas;
- function as an interface between Europe and Asia for academics and political and business leaders from both regions;
- offer a window on Australia through seminars on Australian political, historical and cultural issues, encourage the dissemination of information on Australian technological, manufacturing, industrial and design capabilities, and to showcase Australian visual and performing arts.
Prato, Italy
As part of the region of Tuscany, Prato has both a distinguished past and an active role in contemporary Europe.
Taking its name from the Italian word for meadow, Prato has long been a successful commercial centre and is now the third largest city in Tuscany, after Florence and Livorno. Prato's beautiful historic centre contains medieval and Renaissance buildings of great significance, including the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Carceri, and the palace built by the famous merchant Francesco Datani.
A mere 20 minutes from Prato is the capital city of the region of Tuscany, Florence. Founded by Julius Caesar in the 1st Century BC, Florence is a world cultural centre in terms of art, architecture, intellectualism and Renaissance. The city is renowned for its wonderful museums which contain some of Michelangelo's most famous works. Historic buildings include Il Duomo, the enormous domed cathedral designed by Brunelleschi in the 15th Century, and the Pitti Palace, and galleries such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery house collections of Italian and foreign art dating from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and beyond.
The conference will be held at the stately 18th Century Palazzo Vaj. This wonderfully restored building with a beautiful open-air terrazzo is surrounded by medieval towers and provides the location for Monash University in Prato.
The Monash University Prato Centre provides an ideal setting for academic and professional conferences. The main conference room, the Grand Salone, has the capacity to hold up to 160 people. Three art studios double as exhibition space. There are three computer laboratories with high speed internet access and printing facilities.
A series of elegant entertaining spaces include a large outdoor terrace with views of Prato's medieval centre, indoor reception rooms and buffet areas.
For further information on Prato, visit the Prato Tourist Bureau.
Visas
It is the responsibility of visitors to the Centre to inform themselves of Italian visa requirements and make suitable arrangements. Please refer to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
Australian citizens please consult the Italian Embassy in Canberra for the contact details of Italian Consulates in Australia.
Australian Consular Services In Italy
Australian Embassy in Rome
Via Antonio Bosio 5
00161 ROME
Telephone: +39 06 852 721
Facsimile: +39 06 85 272 300
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday