Fill an Afternoon with a Visit to the Coast
Surroundings
Normally Livorno is used as a stepping stone to a more “lofty" destination. The busy port draws cruise ships, ferry boats and crowds of people looking to move onto a final destination...but before you leave the city, look into the many sites and activities available for all ages right here in Livorno.
With our list of things to see & do in this busy port city, we hope to change your mind and encourage you to dedicate a bit of time to discovering their unique sense of humor, excellent cuisine, and particular landscape that includes, “fossi," bridges, delicious fish dishes and boat rides.
Mercato delle Vettovaglie
Mercato Centrale or the “Coperta"
The word “vettovaglie" means provisions for the military - and when they explained this to me everything seemed to fall into place, after all Livorno is a modern day invention which not only served as a commercial port to the Florence of the Medici F ...
Terrazza Mascagni
Built Upon the Destruction of WWII
The panoramic terrace stretches out over what used to be known as the Fort of the Cavalleggeri, and this fortress was comprised of a tower and a large defensive complex. After Italy was united under one government the fortress was given to the local government who had it dismantled in 1872 - they even took down the historic tower.
“Fossi" Medicei of Livorno
Better Known as Il Fosso Reale
The word “Fosso" is equivalent to a moat; in fact the Fosso Reale follows the borders of defense of the city of Livorno. A canal, like those you find in Venice, are for irrigation or navigation. They are like little roads - and Livorno has its fair share of those as well
Piazza della Repubblica
One of the Largest Squares in Livorno
Without a doubt one of the largest and most particular squares in the city; Livorno in particular uses the squares as meeting places, so it was important to the that the squares were beautiful as well as functional. The Piazza della Repubblica was built with the intention to modernize the old streets into something more useful for the 18th century transport
Venezia Nuova
The True Historic Center of Livorno
The only part of Livorno after WWII that managed to conserve a large part of its historic landmarks and architecture, among which include several churches and buildings. Though it doesn’t align with the Medicea construction it is the true historic ce ...
L'Acquedotto Leopoldino
Sometimes called Acquedotto di Colognole or Acquedotto Lorenese
Between the growing number of inhabitants and the increasing number of boats looking to replenish their on board supplies, water was definitely a growing concern. These acqueducts supplied the city with fresh clean water for almost 100 years (from 1816 - 1912), this was an enormous public works operation which was designed to replenish the dwindling freshwater supply to the city of Livorno.
Cisternino of Livorno
The True Historic Center of Livorno
There are actually three cisterns along the aqueduct designed to purify the water on its route guaranteeing a fast and controlled distribution at the final destination: Cisternino di Pian di Rota, Cisternone and Cisternino.
They were constructed between 1829 and 1848
Monumento dei Quattro Mori
The Mascot of Livorno
Comprised of two very different sections, a marble statue and a bronze base, this monuments presides over the pier. The Statue of Ferdinand I of Tuscany, recognized for building the Fortress, which protected Livorno from the persistent invasion of pirates, moors and saracen, was the first piece of the monument.
Fortezza Vecchia/Fortezza Nuova
Both the old and the new
Plans to build the castle started with Cosimo I de' Medici in 1519 and the completion of the structure happened under the rule of Alessandro de' Medici in 1534. Originally, there was the castle built by the Pisans in 1377 called Quadratura dei Pisani probably built on the ruins of an ancient Roman castrum.
Cemeteries
Final Resting Places to a Grand Mix of Persons
The number of cemeteries dedicated to those outside of the Catholic church is a testament to the Medici intention to make the city of Livorno grow...lifting bans (but not prejudices) against outsiders - especially the Jewish. Livorno expanded fast.
Via Grande
stretching from the port to Piazza Repubblica
When you take into consideration that Livorno was practically decimated after the war, and the few things that have survived or have been revived really only go back to the 1600’s - then you can begin to appreciate the unique beauty in the modern day construction.
Calafuria Coast
A magical place between hills and sea
The Calafuria tower, also known as the Mattaccini tower, rises along the Via Aurelia, a short distance from the modern reinforced concrete bridge built after the war between the Tyrrhenian railway.
The building has a square plan, with a body of almost 8 meters on each side supported by a large scarp Wall; access is located above this mighty basement. The tower, about 20 meters high, is closed by a jutting balcony and a roof with four inclined slopes.
The Goldoni Theatre
Strolling through the historic heart of the city, between 19th-century palaces and modern profiles, Piazza Goldoni makes its way: little more than an open space where the beautiful neoclassical-style façade of the Goldoni theatre stands out. I ...
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