A crossroads in the Mediterranean, an open and cosmopolitan city that still today presents itself as a mosaic of ethnicities, religions and different cultures.

The city was expanded and enriched thanks to the multiethnic contributions and the diversity of languages, costumes and religions, proven by the numerous churches of different faiths that can be found in the heart of the city.

The highest push in this direction came from the Grand duke Ferdinand I de Medici who, in the 16th century, allowed the construction of fortifications, piers and port docks.

The new city was proclaimed “free port” and was warranted the right to welcome all those who were persecuted for their religious beliefs. We can visit Livorno following several itineraries with different themes; we recommend you start with a tour of the Medici tombs on the steamer, accompanied by a guide, to live the city from the inside: an ideal perspective to catch its strong bond with the sea.

During the ride, which lasts almost an hour, you can observe up close the Old Fortress, with Matilde’s tower and the cylindrical tower of the 11th century.

The Venezia neighborhood is very suggestive, in the historical centre of the city, created in the 1600s as an island filled with bridges and canals.

Next is piazza della Repubblica; a square-bridge built in 1838 and 200m long. Continuing on foot, we visit Piazza Grande, with the Palazzo Grande, the Duomo and the City Hall, centre of a city completely rebuilt after the bombing of World War II.

Continuing on the seafront, we find Piazza Micheli with the famous statue of the four Moors and, a bit further, the imposing Terrazza Mascagni, with a balustrade of 4100 marble columns and a particular floor made with mosaics.

A few km away from the center, the Sanctuary of Montenero is a very interesting destination where the 1300 image of the Madonna is kept. It is an important religious and pilgrimage center that you’ll be able to reach from Piazza delle Carrozze with a unique cable railway. A romantic destination; a panoramic terrace on Livorno and its sea. 


(Cover: Terrazza Mascagli di Pier Luigi Dallimonti, photo Castello di Calafuria by Alessandra Voir)