Il Cinema Sotto le Stelle

In Prato, in the Tuscany region of northern Italy, the Castello dell'Imperatore (“Emperor’s Castle”) was constructed between 1237 and 1247 for the King of Sicily, Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, on top of a previous fortification.

However, when Frederick II died the building work stopped, and the interior was never finished. Now, this enclosed space provides the perfect home, each summer, from June to September, for the open-air Il Cinema Sotto le Stelle (“The Cinema Under the Stars”).

This is operated by the city’s Cinema Terminale (see separate Cinema Treasures entry). That closes during these summer months - but is available for use in the event of inclement weather!

The medieval-looking heavy wooden door that protects the projector during the day might well be one of the world’s oldest projection room doors!

There is a different programme each day, with a mix of classic films and recent releases.

During the day, it is possible to climb up to the top of the castle walls, for commanding views over city.

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