Livorno is one of the youngest but most special cities in Italy. It is located in a picturesque bay along the Tuscany promenade and is washed by the Ligurian Sea.
The Livorno hills surround the city and give it an advantageous location to attract tourists.
Livorno on the map of Italy is located in the east of the Ligurian coast.
Livorno on the map of Italy
It is a major port, administrative, industrial and cultural center, which is famous for its extraordinary number of attractions and events.
Based on the results of the work of archaeologists, it is believed that the settlement of the modern territory of Tuscany occurred during the Neolithic period. In the 10th century, the Aurelian Way was built between Rome and Gaul. To protect it, a security tower was built, which was located in the bay. After some time, a small village is formed here.
The name Livorno is mentioned in the documentation of 1017. Presumably, this name comes from the word Liburna, which means “fast ship”.
The construction of the port began at the end of the 13th century, after the Pisa harbor flooded, as a result of which the passage of ships there became more difficult.
The construction of a lighthouse in 1303 and a fortress in 1377 marked the beginning of the life of the new port city of Livorno.
The development of the city during the reign of the Duke of Florence gained momentum. The construction of fortifications and the construction of a canal to connect with the city of Pisa is underway.
Beginning of the 18th century – this is a time of prosperity and enrichment of the port. But the end of the century is characterized by some regression due to the capture of Tuscany by Napoleon.
The port suffered great damage during World War II. A huge part of historical monuments was destroyed during the bombing. Over time, some of them were restored.
Attractions
Guests of Livorno should definitely see the main attractions:
You can take a virtual walk around the city by watching the video:
Beach holiday
The cargo port of Livorno occupies a significant part of the water area, so the beaches in the central part of the city are not very spacious and not very suitable for tourists.
You won't find sun loungers or other beach accessories here.
The northern part of Livorno, where the snow-white beach stretches for a long distance to the village of Marina di Pisa, is a good place to sunbathe.
Free beaches in Italy are less common than good roads in Russia.
The beach in the Antignano area is perfect for relaxation. But keep in mind that the terrain here is rocky. This place is unlikely to be suitable for families with children and diving.
An excellent option for family fun is the sandy beach of Cecina Mare. This beach has a fee. Closer to the pine forest there are free recreation areas.
In the bay between Livorno and Piombino there is another beach, Marina di Bibbona, where you can practice various water sports and relax in a nearby restaurant; there are a sufficient number of them on the embankment.
The beach season in Livorno starts in June and ends in October. During this period of time, the average water temperature is 23-25 degrees.
Shopping
The city center of Livorno is the place where shopping lovers should definitely go, because this is where all kinds of shops and markets are concentrated. The best streets for shopping are Via Magenta and Via Ricasoli. Antiques and luxury clothing can be purchased in the shops along the ancient Bora Street.
The assortment is typical for Italian cities - branded clothing, accessories, appliances, jewelry.
In the central square Delle Erbe there is an open-air vegetable market. Nearby is the Central Market, where a huge variety of products are presented.
Holidays and festivals
In addition to sightseeing, beach holidays and shopping, Livorno offers tourists a lot of spectacular events. The city's entertainment program is filled with many festivals and cultural events.
Kitchen
Local cuisine includes an abundance of all kinds of fish and seafood. Signature fish soup Cacciucco, Livorno-style mullet and stuffed squid are the culinary calling card of the city of Livorno.
These dishes can be found in any restaurant in the city.
They eat absolutely any fish and seafood - cod, sardines, shellfish, crustaceans, and even shark.
Cacciucco is a traditional Italian fish soup. Like all soups from this Tuscan region, it is very thick.
Livorno's signature desserts are custard and anise donuts.
There is also a custom to eat certain foods on some religious holidays.
For example, chestnuts are baked for the feast of St. Catherine and St. Nicholas, and rice pancakes are prepared for St. Joseph’s Day.
How to get there
Airplane.
The airports closest to Livorno are in Rome, Pisa, and Florence. You can get from Rome or Florence to Livorno by train. An intercity bus runs from Pisa to the port.
Train.
- By rail, Livorno can be reached from Rome (Roma Termini station) within 3-4 hours;
- From the Firenze S.M. Novella station in Florence, the train will take you 1.5 hours;
- The train will cover the distance between Pisa and Livorno in 15 minutes.
Bus.
- Travel time from Florence to Livorno will be from 3.5 to 4 hours;
- From Pisa Station you can easily reach the city within an hour;
- There is no bus service between Rome and Livorno.
Automobile.
When leaving Florence by car, take the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno motorway. Taking the A12 Rome – Civitavecchia motorway and the SS-1/E80 motorway you are guaranteed to reach the port of Livorno.
Local landscapes fascinate travelers
Ferry. In Livorno you can try out a means of transportation such as a ferry. The cost of ferry tickets depends on the date of your trip - the earlier you book, the better.
The ferry from Livorno to Sardinia operates daily in summer. Travel time is 6 hours 30 minutes.
The ferry from Livorno to Corsica takes about 4 hours. Also in Livorno there are ferry services to Sicily, Spain, and Morocco.
Hotels
There are about 38 hotels and inns on the territory of Livorno. Starting from budget 2-star hotels and ending with luxurious 5-star hotels.
Livorno, although not the most ancient place in Italy, is a rather beautiful and hospitable town that puts its snow-white beaches, medieval attractions, incredible festival atmosphere and miraculous breath of the sea at the disposal of any guest!
The major port of Tuscany and the favorite stopping place of all cruise ships is a real paradise for vacationers. Situated on the bay of Livorno, it is called the ideal city of the Renaissance. The center of the province of the same name, with a long history, is famous throughout the world for its magnificent nature and cultural and historical monuments, of which all of Italy is proud.
Livorno, which arose on the site of a fishing village a thousand years ago, is not for nothing called the pearl of Italy. The lively city with small streets is imbued with a special atmosphere of an eternal holiday. It will captivate every guest with a huge amount of entertainment and make you get lost among the ancient buildings and picturesque canals.
History of the port
The origins of the modern resort date back to the 15th century, during the reign of the Medici family. The Grand Duke of Tuscany ordered the chief architect of the court to turn the small settlement into the most beautiful port, and very soon all of Italy was talking about the city, which eclipsed Naples and Rome with its splendor. Livorno is recognized as the main commercial center of the Mediterranean, and after the expansion of borders, foreign ships enter the sea gates of the state.
Cosmopolitan city
At the end of the 16th century, a law on religious tolerance was adopted, and the port became a haven for all dissenters. For Catholic Italy, this was an exceptional case, and residents of other cities in Tuscany reacted very ambiguously to this manifestation of tolerance. In a cosmopolitan city that unites people of all nationalities and different faiths, natives of all countries of the world will certainly find something akin to them. It’s not for nothing that they say that only in Livorno you can find the most incredible cultural and ethnic combinations.
Beaches in Livorno (Italy)
Now the largest business center of Tuscany is a stunning success among foreign tourists. In the city itself, the beaches are not very suitable for a comfortable stay, and the proximity of the port affects the cleanliness of the water. However, in the northern and southern parts of the province's center there are wonderful swimming spots where tourists flock.
Quercianella
The village on the edge of Livorno is known far beyond Italy, and it’s not for nothing that Quercianella is called the Tuscan pearl. The village, washed by the azure sea, is located far from the noisy port, and here you can completely relax, succumbing to the charm of warm water and friendly sun. The rocky landscape is called the main feature of a well-equipped beach.
Fresh air, friendly attitude of local residents, delicious Italian cuisine will leave an indelible impression on all travelers who arrive in this picturesque place.
Tirrenia
Another beautiful beach, located between Livorno (Italy) and the mouth of the Arno River, attracts thousands of tourists every year. Hidden in a pine grove, Tirrenia is not the best place for those looking for solitude. The ten-kilometer stretch of sandy beach is adored not only by foreign guests, but also by Italians, so it is extremely lively on weekends. In Terrenia you can go spearfishing and diving, and play tennis or football on the equipped sports fields.
The most romantic quarter
For many tourists, beautiful Italy has long been their favorite holiday destination. Livorno attracts travelers with its wonderful beaches and unusual attractions, which will be discussed below.
In the port city, which is quite young by the standards of the country, there are no ancient architectural monuments, but medieval buildings are of genuine interest.
Of course, you can’t pass by the place where the merchants lived. The Venezia Nuova (New Venice) quarter was created in the 17th century in the likeness of the ancient one. For the convenience of unloading ships, artificial canals were dug near the merchants' warehouses, and new houses were built near the waterways. After World War II, this tranquil corner retained most of its historical values.
In Livorno, which is famous all over the world, couples come to wander along the beautiful bridges of the most romantic city quarter and cross it by boat - the main means of transportation.
Palazzo Hugens
In the center of Venezia Nuova is the residence of local aristocrats, Palazzo Hugens, where the Grand Duke of Medici once stayed. The austere four-story building, which often changed owners, was restored in the 70s of the last century. The entrance to the majestic Palazzo Huigens is decorated with a balcony, and covered galleries with original stucco moldings open onto a quiet courtyard.
Embankment
The city embankment is a favorite walking place for residents of Livorno (Italy). Photos of a landscaped promenade with paths for biking and jogging, green trees, and cozy restaurants evoke thoughts of an amazing vacation.
At the beginning of the embankment there are shipyards that played a major role in the city's economy, but the main attraction is the Terrazza Mascagni, which offers stunning views of the sea. The pavement, lined with black and white slabs, attracts the attention of admiring city guests. The elegant terrace is often used as a backdrop for wedding ceremonies, and everything along it is decorated with bright locks, the keys to which rest in the sea.
Here you can buy various souvenirs with the symbols of the city and works of local artists.
All its guests are warmly welcomed by the country of the warm sea, ancient architecture, fashionable catwalks and delicious pizza - Italy. Livorno, famous for its picturesque landscapes and unusual architecture, invites tourists to visit the city of high political culture. Having visited a major port in the province of Tuscany once, you feel the desire to return there again.
National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago (Parco nazionale dell "Arcipelago Toscano)
According to legend, when Venus was born from a wave of the sea, several precious stones fell from her tiara, becoming seven islands off the Tuscan coast, starting with the large Elba (223 sq. km) and ending with the legendary but modest Montecristo (just over 1000 hectares). All the islands of the archipelago, with the exception of Montecristo, today are part of a marine reserve, which exists mainly on income from biological tourism.
The national park was created in 1996 to preserve the unique ecosystem of the islands. In addition to land areas, its borders cover 60 thousand hectares of the sea that washes them. The local biodiversity is based on typical Mediterranean flora and fauna, but there are rare species such as Neptune's brush algae and monk seals, extirpated from most Italian coasts.
In the off-season, bird lovers can watch huge flocks stopping here to rest during flights between Africa and Europe. There are enough permanently inhabiting birds on the islands of the archipelago: large and Pianosa have become home to shy red partridges, and about a third of the world population of the Corsican gull, which has become a symbol of the national park, nests here.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is located east of Livorno.
Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia)
No matter how strange it may sound, the Old Fortress is one of the youngest buildings in the Livorno embankment area. The Second World War almost completely destroyed the impregnable symbol of city power, created back in the 11th century, and it required more than serious reconstruction. About 60 years ago, the historical buildings were recreated, all possible historical elements were preserved. Visitors are allowed into the fortress territory free of charge.
New Fortress (Fortezza Nuova)
This fortress was built in the 16th century for the Medici family, it is located in the area known as Little or New Venice, because. it is penetrated by a network of narrow channels. Initially, the fortress had the shape of a five-pointed star and was protected by ditches and canals. But the rapid growth of the city beyond the powerful walls diminished their importance, and after World War II, the surviving premises ceased to be used altogether.
Today, behind the red brick fortress walls there is a large city park, which has become home to dozens of stray cats.
Leopold's Wall (Mura Leopoldine)
The growing port went beyond the fortress walls, and by order of Prince Leopoldo II, the construction zone was surrounded by a new barrier. Protection was required mainly from possible smuggling of goods. The wall stretches for 8 kilometers and served the city during its defense against the Austrians in 1849. Most of it was destroyed by the bombing of World War II; only a few fragments survived. At this time, the issue of reconstructing some areas and creating park areas along them is being decided.
Museum of Natural History of the Mediterranean (Museo di storia naturale del Mediterraneo)
The natural science museum is located in the historic Villa Henderson, and its exhibition is entirely dedicated to the biology of the Mediterranean Sea. In 2009, a seed bank was created on the basis of the museum, working together with other large gene repositories in Europe.
The museum is located at 234 Roman Street. It is open from 9:00 to 13:00 from Tuesday to Friday and from 15:00 to 19:00 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. An adult ticket costs 10 euros, a child ticket costs 5 euros.
Giovanni Fattori Museum
Dedicated to the work of Macchiaioli artists and named after one of the brightest representatives of this style of painting, it opened in 1994 in the beautiful Villa Mimbelli. The exhibition began in 1877, during the lifetime of active participants in the Macchiaioli movement, and was fully formed in the 30s of the last century.
Villa Mimbelli is located in the suburbs of Livorno, south of the city center. The museum is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. The entrance ticket costs 4 euros.
Cathedral (Duomo di Livorno)
The city cathedral is the main decoration of the central pentagonal square of Livorno. It was built at the end of the 16th century in the style of Renaissance architecture and received the patronage of St. Francis. It is believed that it was this building that inspired Inigo Jones, a pioneer of English Renaissance architecture, to build Covent Garden.
The most striking, in the truest sense of the word, detail of the Cathedral is its façade. It was rebuilt and significantly changed at the beginning of the 20th century; the material was gray stone, significantly different in color from the main walls. The interior decoration consists of several large paintings on biblical themes, and the tombs of two governors who ruled the city in the 18th century are located here. In 2006, the cathedral received a new gate by Antonio Vinciguerra depicting the most significant episodes from the history of Livorno.
Church of St. Catherine of Siena (Chiesa di Santa Caterina)
The tall tower of the bell tower of the Church of St. Catherine dominates the urban landscape of the Nueva Venezia district. This church took a long century and a half to build and began functioning as a Dominican monastery long before construction was completed. During the Napoleonic era, the building was converted into a prison, which was transferred from here only in the last decades of the 20th century. After restoration work, services began here again.
The interior of the church is decorated with 1,500 square meters of frescoes from the 19th century - this is one of the largest surfaces in Tuscany. The choir houses the famous painting by Giorgio Vasari “The Coronation of the Virgin”, brought in 2007. At the side entrance there is a gallery containing a large organ. In one of the chapels of the church there are holy relics transferred here from Cagliari.
Temple of the Madonna delle Grazie
This church building is also known as the Sanctuary of Montenero, it stands on the hill of the same name, is dedicated to the patron saint of the Tuscan lands and serves as the burial place of several famous residents of Livorno.
Despite its rather modern appearance, the temple has ancient origins, beginning with a healing miracle in 1345. Construction and expansion of the temple on the top of the hill continued from the 15th to the 18th centuries. In 1603, a small chapel of the Apparition (Cappella dell'Apparizione) was built for numerous pilgrims at the foot of the hill, and only in 1956 it was replaced by a larger church, from where today the ascent to the sanctuary begins.
The temple complex of the Madonna delle Grazie is located on a rectangular platform, accessible by stairs. The main building is preceded by a portico and several memorial stones. Not far from the porch is a bas-relief by Antonio Vinciguerra depicting Pope John Paul II, installed in honor of the Pontiff's visit in 1982. The interior space is decorated with paintings by Filippo Maria Galletti, the wooden ceiling is decorated with carvings by Pietro Giambelli. The temple is equipped with a three-keyboard organ.
Museum of Jewish Culture and History (Museo ebraico Yeshivà Marini)
The museum is located at 21 Mikali Street, in a 19th-century neoclassical oratory that served as a synagogue. Its exhibition demonstrates examples of Jewish culture and evidence of Nazi persecution in Italy and Europe.
Jewish cemeteries (Cimiteri ebraici di Livorno)
Traditionally, Livorno is home to one of the largest Jewish communities, but they had to bury their dead on the Milinacci beach, until in the middle of the 17th century an area was allocated for this purpose not far from one of the city cemeteries. Ninety years later, a second cemetery appeared in Via Corallo, but in 1939 it was decided to dismantle all the graves and move them to the Stagno area to be combined with the larger cemetery opened in 1837. It functions to this day and contains the memory of those killed in the First World War and the Holocaust.
Naval Academy (L"Accademia Navale di Livorno)
The Military University in Livorno trains officers of the Italian Navy. For two centuries after construction, the building housed a hospital, and later a prison and barracks. The educational institution opened here in 1881 and, in addition to sailors, at one time it also trained pilots.
The main part of the sprawling educational complex consists of a large three-story building with three wings located at right angles. The main building is topped by a square tower with a clock on each side and the motto "Honor and Fatherland". The Naval Academy complex covers an area of about 215 square meters and annually receives 1,250 students for training and retraining.
Monument to the Four Moors (Monumento dei Quattro mori)
This monument, located in Piazza Micheli, is the most famous in the city. Its installation at the end of the 16th century symbolized the revival of Livorno and the construction of new areas. Ferdinand I, whose statue tops the monument, supervised the work and was revered as the founder of the city. The figures of four captive Moors at the foot serve as a symbol of resounding victories over the pirates. They are the ones that are of greatest interest from an artistic point of view. Despite their similarity to each other, the images are carefully selected and simultaneously represent four nationalities and four stages of human life.
In the 30s of the 17th century, it was planned to supplement the composition with two fountains, made in the mannerist style and depicting sea monsters, but as fate would have it, they never left Florence, now decorating Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
During World War II, city residents did everything to save their relic: the monument was divided into separate figures, which were hidden in different hiding places. In June 1950, the monument was assembled and hoisted into place, right in the middle of the ruins of the city destroyed by bombing.
Tower on the island of Meloria (Torre della Meloria)
On an artificial island 7 kilometers away, directly opposite the port of Livorno, there is a quadrangular lighthouse tower. It was erected in 1709 and became the third in a row on this site. The island of Meloria, famous as the site of the double battle between Genoa and Pisa, is only slightly raised above the water, so the massive tower rests on four pillars, connected in pairs along the perimeter by arches, so as not to resist the lapping waves.
Teatro Carlo Goldoni
This theater was built in 1842 and is the only one of all the major theaters in Livorno that was able to survive the devastating bombing of the Second World War. The building also houses the Pietro Mascagni Museum, which contains a collection of the maestro’s personal belongings.
There was a long break in the theater's activities from the 80s until 2004, when it was closed for restoration, but was still able to restore its former glory and grandeur. The height of the auditorium is 26 meters, and a glass insert is built into the center of its roof. Initially, the hall was designed for 3,000 people, but after reconstruction, for safety reasons, the number of seats was reduced to 900.
Thermal resort (Stabilimento termale Acque della Salute)
In Piazza Dante (Via Orosi), not far from the train station, you can see an abandoned resort complex. The dilapidated buildings were abandoned several decades ago, after a fire in 1968, and the issue of their restoration has not yet been resolved.
The complex, built in 1904 in the quiet eastern part of the city, consists of three buildings standing on the site of four springs with different types of mineral water. Healing waters were discovered here back in 1854, on the site of an ancient vineyard. To be able to accommodate everyone, the luxurious Corallo Hotel was built nearby.
Despite the decline, the buildings of the former hospital are still of great cultural value, being one of the city's best examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Here you can see wooden frames decorated with fine intricate carvings. Many design elements reflect natural motifs.
In 1017, Livorno was a village of several houses and ruled by Pisa. In the 15th century it came under the rule of Florence. After the decline in Pisa's importance as a port, the center of local trade moved to Livorno. Currently, it is the main port of the Tuscany region, its population is 160 thousand people.
Actually, I wasn’t going to Livorno. But at the La Spezia hotel I found an album with photographs of Tuscan cities and realized that this city was very worthy. Because Pisa was already examined, I went here. I had to ride for about twenty minutes (in principle, if I had a little more time, I would have set off on a bicycle). From the carriage I saw outside the window, I only remembered the Pisa airport, on which, in addition to clearly civilian aircraft, there were also dark, gray and green tones, apparently military (information for our intelligence).
Livorno has begun. I looked out the window and mapped out the route. I didn’t have any information about the city, but that didn’t upset me. It was enough to know that Livorno is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. First of all, I drove to the objects that seemed interesting to me from the train. They turned out to be located in a local cemetery.
This church is nearby.
Then I drove for quite a long time through uninteresting places built in the mid-1960s. "Chisternone" means "huge reservoir" in Italian. This structure was built in the first half of the 19th century, as part of a complex of water purification tanks and plumbing.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was built in the mid-19th century. Its construction was authorized by the Catholic Church on the condition that the building would not resemble Catholic churches.
Republic Square was originally called Grand Dukes Square (I found this name more interesting).
Another water tank. True, it was never put into operation.
There is also a monument in the nearby Piazza Garibaldi.
The new fortress was built in the 16th century by order of the Medici family. Over its long history, the citadel was extensively rebuilt more than once, and during the Second World War, part of it was completely destroyed, as barracks and gunpowder warehouses were located there.
Giuseppe Mazzini actively participated in the struggle for an independent Italy.
There is now a small park in which there were only a few young people, who are called “informals”.
Around the New Fortress an area called New Venice was formed. Through the canals you can go out to the open sea. On the bridge there is a monument to St. John of Nepomuk.
The Church of St. Catherine opened in the middle of the 18th century.
The image above the altar tells the story of the coronation of the Virgin Mary (it is clear that there is no mention of anything like this in the Gospel).
And this is similar to her subsequent ascension to heaven.
The Church of San Ferdinando is a little younger (commissioned in 1716). It has a similar façade.
The construction of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph (1715) was associated with the construction of an orphanage next door.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.
It appears that the barracks belong to the Financial Guard. The police officers I spoke to in Venice had these stripes.
The Old Fortress, built in the 16th century (like the New Fortress), included a number of more ancient buildings.
There are two main squares nearby: Municipal and Bolshaya.
Construction of the Cathedral of St. Francis began at the end of the 16th century. It was renamed, rebuilt and restored.
The Church of St. Julia was built at the beginning of the 17th century.
We continue to look at the center of Livorno.
Camillo Paolo Filippo Giulio Benso, Count of Cavour was the first chairman of the Council of Ministers of freedom-fighting Italy. He died at this post.
Evangelical Church.
The Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso is the largest in Livorno. It was consecrated in 1856.
At the entrance there is a monument to the city residents who died in the wars.
Cemetery. Of course, it doesn’t reach the level of Milan, but it’s still impressive.
The customs building was erected in 1890.
I drove out to the Naval Academy and rode along the bike path for a while, hoping to get to the shore.
There are many luxury villas in this place. No wonder, the sea is nearby...
Monument to the sailor. It gets dark, I turn back.
+61Livorno has long been known as an oasis of hospitality and served as a refuge for persons non grata, persecuted because of their own religious or political views, which allowed the city to continuously enrich itself with new ideas, cultural attractions and customs.
Livorno is inextricably linked with the sea, which is an integral part of its life - the city enchants with numerous coastal gardens, fragrant plants on the promenades, quiet harbors and clean beaches that have inspired many famous artists.
Religious heritage in the form of many-sided churches and cathedrals, magnificent architecture of buildings in the Baroque and Art Nouveau style, many historical monuments, including elegant villas, memorable faces of world celebrities, green parks and protected areas of the coast and, of course, delicious food and colorful holidays - all these characteristics turn Livorno, the Tuscan city that gave the world Amedeo Modigliani, Pietro Mascagni, Giovanni Fattori and Francesco Domenico Guerazzi, into a valuable diamond worth examining up close.
Fortress "La Fortezza Vecchia", Livorno. Photo tuttocitta.it
History of Livorno
The city of Livorno, which arose at the end of the 16th century in the military and commercial interests of the Medici dynasty, began as a small fishing village founded around the watchtower of the fortress of Matilda of Tuscany. The settlement of fishermen, with the support of the almighty Medici, quickly grew to one of the main ports of the Mediterranean Sea. The city of "many nations", which constantly contributed to the creation and development of Livorno, is famous as the birthplace of brilliant personalities such as Amedeo Modigliani, Pietro Mascagni and Carlo Ciampi.
Amedeo Modigliani's house in Livorno. Photo: turismocongusto.it
In the past, until the first decade of the 20th century, Livorno was famous as a tourist center of international importance, thanks to its beaches and thermal baths. At the end of the 19th century, Livorno had about 100 thousand inhabitants and was the 11th most populous city in Italy and the second in . In recent decades, unfortunately, the city has shown a tendency towards a noticeable decline in the number of residents; Currently, Livorno is the third most populous city in Tuscany, after and.
After the destruction of the Second World War and the subsequent "mutilations" inflicted on the city by strengthening reconstruction, Livorno lost many valuable objects of its historical heritage, but some traces of history at the level of the city's structure can still be traced. In particular, the interesting structure of the center of Livorno is noticeable in the form of a pentagon, built in accordance with the criteria of an ideal city of the sixteenth century.
Many historical religious symbols also remained in Livorno - churches, temples and cemeteries of various religions, symbols of the perfect union of different races and peoples, which had a significant influence on the city's culture. The spirit of tolerance, which in the past coincided with the policies of the Tuscan Grand Duchy, in fact favored intense cultural activity in the city. Important bookstores and prestigious theaters were born here, philosophers argued here, writers created and the best actors of the time performed.
Teatro Goldoni, Livorno. Photo leviedellamusica.net
The number of great works of architecture increased markedly in the first half of the 19th century, when the city began to establish its tourist image. At this time, many baths were opened, in which even today you can see distant echoes of the Belle Epoque.
From an architectural point of view, the interventions of the late Renaissance associated with the reign of the Medici and the Baroque style prevalent in the 18th century were supplemented by buildings characterized by the search for extreme functionality - all located in the Buontalenti Pentagon.
Piazza Mascagni, Livorno. Photo tuscanyiloveyou.com
In the 20th century, in the years leading up to World War II, Livorno saw the emergence of a variety of eclectic structures (such as the Palazzo della Galleria) and rationalist buildings (such as the Palazzo del Governo).
Palazzo della Galleria, Livorno. Photo: livornodailyphoto.blogspot.com
Holidays and festivals in Livorno
Music, theater and art: summer cultural events in Livorno
The Fortezza Vecchia is a brilliant stage for many summer events that take place every year during June, July, August and September in the city of Livorno and its surroundings.
These events include concerts and cabaret performances on the Fortezza Vecchia stage, on the edge of the port of Livorno; the "EFFETTO Venezia" festival, held on the canals of the Venice region in early August; "Tocca Le Stelle Montenero" - a series of cultural events in the village of Montenero, located a few miles south of Livorno, in August and September; the international art exhibition "Premio Rotonda" - an exhibition of contemporary art with the participation of artists from Italy and from abroad, which takes place in August.
Fortress "Fortezza Vecchia", Livorno. Photo: livornodailyphoto.blogspot.com
Festival "Effetto Venezia"
The old district of Livorno, Venice, has hosted the annual festival "Effetto Venezia" for 23 years in a row, which takes place over ten days in early August.
The festival is a magnificent and colorful celebration, a complex and highly diversified combination of music, art, theatre, poetry, cabaret and artisans that will delight visitors of all ages.
Visitors come to Livorno from all over the world to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural scene for 10 days in the beautiful nightlife of the historic Venice district, strolling around to watch plays and concerts, browsing artisan stalls, stopping to watch street shows, or enjoying the cool evening air at one of the area's many restaurants.
The most important centers for the wide range of events that take place throughout the festival are Livorno's two remarkable fortresses - Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova, which mark the boundaries of the Venice area in both directions. Other locations have now spread beyond the Venice area itself and lead into the heart of the city where the entertainment continues.
Festival "Effetto Venezia", Livorno. Photo: livornodailyphoto.blogspot.com
Gastronomic festivals
Food is certainly high on any Italian community's list of priorities, and in Livorno delicious traditional gastronomy is no less prized. Italian food festivals, known as "sagre", are held throughout the year throughout the province of Livorno, celebrating special types of local products.
in the spring Every year there is a festival in honor of beans ( La Sagra del Baccello), A in autumn Two other delicious festivals - one of them exalting mushrooms (La Sagra del Fungo), the other is grapes ( La Festa dell'Uva).
These regional festivals are usually centered around a series of fairground stalls where you can not only sample whatever your heart desires - prepared in the best traditions and offered at the best prices - but also learn the craft of cooking from the region's best chefs. Festivals are a great opportunity to spend wonderful relaxing evenings, which inevitably end with live music, dancing and tastings.
Festival "La festa dell"uva", Livorno. Photo livornodailyphoto.blogspot.com
Traditional sailing and rowing competitions in the port of Livorno
Some of the most important annual events in Livorno's holiday calendar definitely have a nautical theme, reflecting the traditions of the city - an important port that is home to one of the most prestigious Naval Academies in Europe.
Nautical-themed events begin in April with a sailing regatta known as the "Trofeo Accademia Navale e Città di Livorno" ("Trophy of the Naval Academy and the City of Livorno"). This is a sailing competition that was first held back in 1981 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Naval Academy. The regatta lasts for a week and teams come here from all over the world to take part in various sailing races. A number of related events also take place in the city, especially in the port area, during the festive week.
The fight for the trophy of the Naval Academy and the city of Livorno. Photo stelladitalianews.com
Around the same time, the rowing competition begins, in which teams from the sixteen districts that make up the city of Livorno take part. And on the second Sunday of July every year the Palio Marinaro competition is held - the most important rowing competition in Italy at a distance of 2000 meters.
Easter in Livorno
There is an Italian expression that states "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi", which means "spend Christmas with your relatives and Easter with whoever you want." In fact, it is quite traditional for Italians to go on holiday during the Easter holidays.
In Livorno, if the weather is favorable, Easter is a great opportunity to enjoy the early sun on the city's beaches. In addition, Livorno will delight visitors with delicious Easter baked goods: the city has its own traditional Easter cake called Schiacciata di Pascua, flavored with candied orange peel and anise.
Where to eat or "Gourmet Tour" of Livorno
If you are a lover of Italian food or just food in general, you can spend a whole day or weekend in Livorno sampling delicious Tuscan regional dishes, snacks and sweets in the many cafes, bars and restaurants.
"Italy in Russian" suggests starting the day, as many locals do, in one of the local bars with a cappuccino or espresso and a bagel for breakfast. An early visit ensures a good selection of baked goods, whether you prefer regular bagels or the cream or jam variety. Try the Livorno "Budino di Riso" (a kind of rice pudding cake) - very tasty!
Next stop is the indoor food market. Livorno's Mercato Centrale is an amazing building built in the 19th century. Open from Monday to Saturday until lunchtime, the market gives you the opportunity to sample and buy a wide range of Tuscan products.
A separate section is the fish market, another is dedicated to the sale of fruits and vegetables. You can stock up on a picnic and head to one of Livorno's parks for lunch.
Central covered market of Livorno. Photo: ilmondoetuttoilresto.blogspot.com
A favorite afternoon snack in Livorno is a piece of "Schiacciata" (flat bread with olive oil, available in all bakeries), with sliced sausage or cheese. You can also try "Roschette", small rings of savory, tough dough. Bakery products, like other food products, are sold not in grams, but in “ethto”: 1 etto - 100 grams.
Lunch. Prefer a picnic? Go to Villa Fabbricotti park by bus number 2 or number 6 (from Piazza Cavour). What to grab for a snack? Of course, the local pie "Torta di Ceci", inexpensive and very tasty food.
Looking for a restaurant? Fish lovers will certainly want to try one of the local fish dishes, the most famous of which is "Cacciucco", thick pieces of fish stew made from five different types of fish. The most famous fish restaurant in Livorno is the boat restaurant Ca" Moro, located in Piazza del Pamiglione.
Restaurant-boat "Ca" Moro. Photo: piratiesirene.it
For those looking for delicious traditional meat cuisine, there is the tavern "Cantina Senese", located in the Borgo di Livorno area.
What's next? If you want to enjoy a great aperitif, head to one of Livorno's most famous bars, "Civili", located towards the bus station (bus number 1 goes there from the center). They serve traditional punch - a mixture of coffee, rum and sugar.
End the day with some of the tastiest ice cream in Tuscany, at one of the "Gelaterie" in town or by the sea.
Where is the best wine served in Livorno?
If you would like to try some of the wines, there are several establishments in Livorno that can organize wine tastings by prior arrangement. Here are the most famous wine bars in the city:
Restaurant-enoteca "Cantina Nardi" (Via Leonardo Cambini, 6/8)
Enoteca Faraoni (Via Mentana, 85)
Enoteca "La Botte e il Tappo" (Via dei Pelaghi, 3)
Livorno top 10: ten attractions you simply cannot miss
The city of Livorno and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities, both for those looking for echoes of history and culture, as well as for those whose intentions are more down-to-earth pleasures, such as enjoying local food and nightlife. Although much of Livorno was destroyed during the Second World War, Livorno's attractions can still amaze and surprise, offering an insight into the city's history, from medieval times to the 19th century.
Outside the city, to the south of Livorno, rise the attractive districts of Ardenza and Antignano, as well as the village of Montenero, which offers spectacular views of the city. You can easily get there by bus.
So, what should you not miss when traveling to Livorno?
Livorno Art Gallery - Fattori Museum at Villa Mimbelli
Villa Mimbelli houses in its halls the exhibitions of the only art gallery of Tuscan artists in Livorno. The Fattori Museum is worth a visit not only for the masterpieces of art it contains. Villa Mimbelli, surrounded by 19th-century gardens, offers the tourist a welcome respite from the noise of the highways and the bustle of the city, as well as a peaceful and shady refuge during the summer months.
Villa Mimbelli is a magnificent structure, with its beautiful halls, frescoed by Annibale Gatti, and a magnificent staircase connecting the three floors.
The art gallery contains some really interesting works of art by Tuscan artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Pay attention to the works of Ulvi Lieggi, Guglielmo Micheli, Renato Natali, as well as paintings by the famous artist Amedeo Modigliani.
Villa Mimbelli. Photo flickr.com
Historic churches of Livorno, many of which testify to the dominance of the foreign nations that helped create the city.
Livorno Cathedral
The cathedral, or Duomo di Livorno, is located in Piazza Grande. The original cathedral was designed by the architect Alessandro Pieroni and built by Giovanni Cantagallina. The Duomo was completed in 1606 and dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. Unfortunately, the original building was completely destroyed by explosions in 1943. The modern reconstruction was completed in 1952 and is a reproduction of the original.
Duomo di Livorno. Photo flickr.com
Dutch Church
This rare example of neo-Gothic architecture in Livorno is testament to the multi-cultural climate that has marked the city's history. The Dutch-German Church - Chiesa della Congregazione Olandese Alemanna - was designed by the architect Dario Giacomelli and built between 1862-64. The church is located between Place Cavour and Place de la République, it is in a catastrophic state and is currently prohibited from entering.
Dutch Church. Photo flickr.com
Church of St. Andrew (Waldensian Church)
Originally dedicated to St. Andrew of Scotland, created by the Presbyterian community living in Livorno in the 19th century, the church now belongs to the Italian Waldensian Church, associated with the Protestant Church. The building was built in the mid-19th century, construction was permitted by the Italian Catholic Church on the condition that the church would not resemble Catholic churches - hence the very unusual appearance. It was designed by the Scottish architect, Rumball, and reflects the neo-Gothic style that was fashionable in Scotland at the time.
Church of St. Andrew. Photo: wikimapia.org
Church of St. George
The neoclassical façade of St George's Anglican Church was completed in 1844. The church was built for the Anglican community living in Livorno at that time. It was designed by local architect Angelo Della Valle in the neoclassical style. Today the church belongs to the Misericordia di Livorno community and is now often used for Orthodox masses serving local Romanian immigrants.
Church of St. George. Photo: wikimapia.org
Church of San Benedetto
The Church of San Benedetto is located in Piazza XX Settembre, which until 2009 was the site of the famous American market of Livorno. Piazza XX Settembre was previously known as Piazza San Benedetto and its creation directly depended on the construction of the church building in the early 19th century. The church was designed by Gaspero Pampaloni and built in neoclassical style in 1817-19.
Church of San Benedetto. Photo: wikimapia.org
Church of San Gregorio Iluminatore (Armenian Church)
The Armenian community was quite large in Livorno in the early 17th century and was well integrated with the local community. The Armenian Church is the most tangible indicator of the presence of Armenians in the city at that time, but now it is no longer used. The Church of San Gregorio Iluminatore was built by Giovanni del Fantasia and financed by a group of Armenian merchants.
Armenian Church. Photo panoramio.com
Greek Church
Also known as the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin, located in Via della Madonna, this church dates from 1605 and testifies, along with other churches on this street, to the multicultural society that inhabited Livorno in the 17th century.
The church was built in 1606 by the architect Alessandro Pieroni for the Greek sailors who arrived in Livorno to serve on the ships of the Order of St. Stephen. They were Catholics, but followed Byzantine liturgical traditions.
Greek Church. Photo panoramio.com
Ancient English cemetery of Livorno
The cemetery is located on Via Verdi and, dating back to the 1600s, is an important testimony to the unique and fascinating history of Livorno. It is the oldest cemetery of its kind in Italy. Important burials include Scottish writer Tobias Smollett, famous botanist George Jackson and Thomas Hall.
Ancient English cemetery of Livorno. Photo: corriere.it
Old Port Medici
Named after the Medici dynasty, the great princes of Tuscany who expanded and fortified Livorno in the 16th century, the Medici port is a wonderfully tranquil and beautiful place. Here you can stroll along the sea, enjoy the scenery and the beautiful yachts of the members of the Livorno Yacht Club.
Porto Vecchio, Livorno. Photo tripadvisor.co.uk
Montenero - a village on a hill south of Livorno
About five kilometers south of the town of Livornon, on the hillside lies the village of Montenero, home to the Santuario di Montenero temple, which attracts countless visitors throughout the year.
This is a beautiful room overlooking the city of Livorno, which grew up around the sacred image of the "Madonna di Montenero", given to the village by a shepherd in the 14th century. The current temple building dates from the 18th century.
Church of Santuario di Montenero. Photo commons.wikimedia.org
Also, don't miss
- Venice Historic District, where the popular Livorno festival "Effetto Venezia" takes place every July/August
- Central Market- an array of colors, tastes, chaos and local flavor
- Boat ride along the "Fossi" (or canals) of Livorno, enjoying the original view of the city
- Old Fortress "Fortezza Vecchia"(currently closed to visitors) - the oldest building in Livorno
- Terrazza Mascagni- a magnificent terrace with a stunning view of the sea
And also don’t forget to try the local dishes of Livorno: Cacciucco- Triglie alla Livornese - Torta di Ceci - Punch
Shopping in Livorno
Livorno offers a full range of goods (and prices) that are sold everywhere - from the popular markets of Livorno to brand stores offering designer clothes, shoes, jewelry, leather goods and accessories, all "made in Italy". Livorno is a fairly large city, but most of the good shops are traditionally concentrated in the center of Livorno. Via Grande is one of the main shopping streets in Livorno, although prices here are steep.
Shops open at 9.00-9.30, close for a break around 12.30-13.00 and open again around 4 pm. Some, however, are open all day.
Shopping street "Via Grande", Livorno. Photo commons.wikimedia.org
How to get to Livorno?
Train, ship, plane - these are the main means of transport that will allow you to reach Livorno. In the first two cases, you will arrive directly in the city - the main railway station is located slightly on the periphery, closer to the port. If you arrive by plane, it will land at Galileo Galilei Airport in or Amerigo Vespucci Airport in .
By train
Livorno station is quite far from the center, so if you immediately want to take a walk in the city center or on the central promenade, you will have to take a bus, many of which stop right outside the station. If you are coming from , and , you can take a train that stops directly at Livorno, which is also very well connected to Florence and its historical rival, Pisa, the closest of the Tuscan cities. The schedule is available on the Trenitalia website.
By car
Those coming from should take the A12 (Genoa-Livorno) motorway, which runs from Massa.
If you want to reach Livorno from the South, you can take the A1 motorway until the Firenze Nord exit and from there continue on the A11 towards Pisa, and finally on the A12 to Livorno.
If you are coming from Rome, you can take the A12 highway (Rome-Civitavecchia) and then continue on the SS-1/E80 highway, which leads from Civitavecchia to Livorno.
By plane
The nearest airports to Livorno are Amerigo Vespucci (80 km from Livorno) and Galileo Galilei (18 km from the port of Livorno). International and national airlines fly here. From here you can get to the city by taxi, train or car. From Pisa train station you can reach Livorno by regional train in 15 minutes.
To easily book tickets to Pisa, visit the large air ticket search engine Aviasales.ru, where in a matter of minutes you can select the desired flight and pay for the trip.
On a ferryboat
Livorno is well connected to the islands of the Tuscan archipelago and Corsica. The ferries that operate these routes are operated by Moby and Corsica ferries. You can visit the companies' website and check in advance to see if there are any special offers or promotions for the period you plan to travel.
Where to stay in Livorno?
Livorno Hotels. Livorno is just 20 minutes from Pisa Airport, which is connected to many airports in Russia, Ukraine and throughout Europe. Many tourists fly to Pisa and head to the most famous Tuscan cities, Florence and Lucca, but why not change the tourism tradition and head to Livorno to discover a completely different side of Tuscany?
Book your flight to Pisa, pick up your rental car at the airport, and stay in one of the hotels, farmsteads or family villas that lie in the surrounding area - just a few miles from the city center - enjoying a tranquil environment, or go to one of the luxury hotels in the center of Livorno, enjoying the nearby restaurants, shops and theaters.
The Booking.com portal will offer you a lot of solutions for any period of the year at the best prices! You will find links to some hotels rated most highly by tourists below.
Max Hotel Livorno - Via Giotto Ciardi 28, Livorno
Max Hotel Livorno
Hotel Gennarino - Viale Italia 301, Livorno
