Do I need a visa?
Delegates from many countries will not require a visa to enter Italy. However, citizens of some countries may require a visa and there are currently delays in getting an appointment. You can check with the Italian Foreign Office if you need a visa by visiting their web site: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en If you do need a visa, please apply early
How to get to Prato

Venue information

Accommodation

Delegates are expected to book and pay for their own accommodation in Prato, Italy. It is advisable to book early as Prato hosts Monash University students and the city is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to its close proximity to Florence.
For accommodation options please visit the the updated accommodation page provided by the Monash University Prato Centre.
HOTELS
The most popular accommodation for MedVetPathogens delegates are the Art Hotel Milano and Hotel San Marco. Both are less than a 10-minute walk from the Monash Prato Centre and within walking distance of the train station, Prato Centrale.
Hotel Milano A popular 4 star hotel located next to the Bisenzio river. Comfort Rooms are the best option at this hotel. Some rooms have river views. Note: do not confuse with the Art Hotel Museo or Wall Art Hotel, both of these hotels are outside of the city centre. Please visit the the updated accommodation page provided by the Monash University Prato Centre for 2025 rates on offer.
Hotel San Marco A clean and comfortable 3 star hotel close to restaurants and shops. Has a small rooftop terrace. Please visit the the updated accommodation page provided by the Monash University Prato Centre for 2025 rates on offer.

SELF-SERVICED APARTMENTS
(information provided by The Monash Prato Centre)
Accademia Residence (Residence with 6 apartments).
Via dell’Accademia 45
Contact: Ms Francesca Marcotulli Phone +39 0574 448142
Just a 1-minute walk from the Monash Prato Centre. The property is not staffed 24 hours but offers a convenient self-check-in. The reception is open Mon-Fri 9 am to 12:30 pm. Always book directly with the accommodation provider. Avoid third-party booking platforms whenever possible. Direct bookings often provide better rates and personalised service. When making a reservation, state that you are attending an event at the Monash Prato Centre. This helps the property staff understand your purpose and may lead to special arrangements or discounts. Prato is a medieval town and many properties do not have a lift. Accademia Residence is no exception. Should you require assistance on arrival, please mention this at the time of booking.
Apartments
- Lorenzo dé Medici (n. 1) – Ground floor, 2-room apartment on two levels, with an independent entrance (max 2 people)
- Dante Alighieri (n. 2)- First floor, 2-room apartment on one level. One double bed, one double sofa bed, one extra bed if needed (max 5 people)
- Niccolò Macchiavelli (n. 4) – Second floor, 2-room apartment on two levels (max 3 people)
- Francesco Guicciardini (n. 5) – Second floor, 2-room apartment on two levels (max 4 people)
- Caterina de’ Medici (n. 6) – Second floor, 2-room apartment on two levels. One double bed on the mezzanine level, one double sofa bed, and one extra bed, if necessary, in the living room (max 5 people)
- Francesco Petrarca (n. 7) – First floor, 2-room apartment with a balcony facing an internal courtyard. One double bed, one double sofa bed and one extra bed in the living room (max 5 people)
Note. The maximum sleeping capacity of each apartment includes people sleeping on sofa beds.