The Cicognini National Boarding School is a private Catholic primary and secondary school located in Prato, Tuscany, Italy. Established by the Jesuits in c. 1692, the school is the oldest school in the city and follows the legacy of Francesco Cicognini.
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Boarding school history
The Cicognini National Boarding School of Prato is the oldest educational institution in the city. Founded in 1692 by Jesuit priests, it was the center of culture in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the Kingdom of Italy, and the Italian Republic. Cicognini National Boarding School remains a cultural and training centre for Italy, with significant influence in Tuscany and the metropolitan area of Prato-Florence-Pistoia.
Interior
The school contains a theater dedicated to Gabriele D'Annunzio, with frescoes decorating the ceiling and stage. The school also houses the Chapel of the Boarders, with a Baroque altar, Madonna, organ, and paintings. The school's refectory is decorated by frescoes as well, and its reception room has a painting dedicated to Gabriele D'Annunzio.
Notable alumni
Gabriele D'Annunzio, (1863–1938) – writer, poet, journalist, and political activist who attended the Cicognini National High School from 1874 to 1881
Sem Benelli – writer and playwright
Giovanni Bertini
Ranieri de' Calzabigi – poet and librettist
Carlo Azeglio Ciampi – President of the Republic
Girolamo Lagomarsini, (1698–1773) – humanist and philologist
Giovanni Lami – jurist, historian, and antiquarian
Tommaso Landolfi – writer, translator and literary critic
Curzio Malaparte, (1898–1957) – journalist, dramatist, writer, and diplomat who was born in Prato
Marcello Pera – Senate President
Bettino Ricasoli – statesman