Convitto Cicognini

Founded in 1692, Prato's Convitto Cicognini is an historic college associated with writers Gabriele D'Annunzio and Curzio Malaparte.

Why it matters

The college grew from a bequest by canon Francesco Cicognini, who supported education for young people beyond Prato. The Jesuits opened the school on the site of the former Badia di Santa Maria a Grignano, and generations of students connected it with the city's intellectual life.

What to notice

The college's architecture is associated with Jesuit architect Giovan Battista Origoni and later work by Giuseppe Valentini. The refectory preserves frescoes by Giacinto Fabbroni, and the complex includes a chapel, reception hall and theatre. Its emblem shows a stork piercing a serpent beneath the motto Invisa colubris.

Context and history

The Jesuits opened the college in 1692, supported by Cicognini's 1684 legacy and an invitation from the city council. After the Jesuits were suppressed in 1773, the institution passed to the grand-ducal government. It later served as a barracks during the Napoleonic period, became the Liceo di Prato under the Kingdom of Italy and eventually a national boarding school. Its alumni include D'Annunzio, Malaparte, Cesare Guasti and Sem Benelli.