Livorno City

Area: Livorno
Type: fortification 12^th – 16^th century

The Fortress is located near the Medici Port. It was built during the medieval period, same time as the tower of Pisa construction, and expanded in the 14^th century through the construction of the walls. This Fort was originally intended to monitor the coastline. The current aspect is due to the renovation by the architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, who, in the early 16^th century, under the government of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, was commissioned to transform the fortification of Pisan origin in an impressive defensive structure. In 1769, after the passage of the Grand Duchy to the Lorena family, the castle was used as military barracks for the nobility.

The plant has an asymmetrical shape consisting of three bastions and remains of other buildings.

Area: Livorno
Type: fortification 16^th century

The architect Bernardo Buontalenti built it at the end of the 16th century, during the period of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The structure has a pentagonal base and a wall studded with five bastions and flanked by ditches, enclosing the original settlement. Subsequently, the perimeter was modified to allow the expansion of the district “New Venice”. The complex of buildings is located in the middle of a large basin of water, connected to the city by a small bridge. The walls have been preserved with the typical elements of the architecture military. Now the fortress is a public garden, where various events take place.

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Area: Livorno
Type: cathedral church 16^th century
Address: Piazza Grande

Dedicated to St. Francis, the cathedral was built in the late 16^th century. Noteworthy is the remarkable carved wooden ceiling and paintings by Domenico Cresti, so called ‘Passignano’.

Area: Livorno
Type: 18^th century church
Address: Piazza del Luogo Pio

The baroque style church, also known as ‘Crocetta’, is located in the district of ‘New Venice’. The building dates back to 1707 to a design by Giovanni Battista Foggini. The façade is devoid of the original marble covering. The interior has a Latin cross with several chapels decorated with works by different artists of that time.
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Area: Livorno
Type: 18^th century church
Address: Piazza of the Dominicans

The church was founded in 1720. Its high octagonal dome stands out. Inside you can admire a large oil painting ‘The Coronation of the Virgin’ by Vasari, an altar of the Syro-Maronite community and various other significant paintings.

Area: Livorno
Locality: Livorno (LI) – Montenero
Type: Sanctuary 14^th – 18^th century
Address: Piazza di Montenero, 9
Phone:  +39 0586 579627
Email: info@santuariomontenero.org
Website: www.santuariomontenero.org

The sanctuary is located on a hill behind the town and is accessible by a historic funicular, walking through a long and winding road. The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Grace (the Patron Saint of Tuscany), and pilgrims also in the first half of the 14th century visited it. The modern building is the result of the restructuring from the 18^th century. Inside, there are large numbers of votive offerings. The image of the Virgin, which is considered miraculous and protector of sailors, is a typical destination of popular devotion. On the square outside, under the porch called ‘Famedio’, there are tombs of famous Livorno personalities, such as Francesco Domenico Guerrazzi and Giovanni Fattori.

Area: Livorno
Type: Jewish temple 17^th-20^th century
Address: Piazza Benamozegh

The synagogue was built in the 17^th century and has become one of the largest in Europe. During the Second World War, the building was badly damaged. The Jewish community decided to demolish the remains and construct a new building that was inaugurated in 1962. The architectural forms of this modern Synagogue, remind of the Big Tent that shields the Ark of the Covenant.

Area: Livorno
Type: church 11^th -16^th century
Address: Piazza San Jacopo

The church, located on the seafront, dates back to the 11^th century when a small hermitage was built which grew considerably until the 14^th century, when it hosted popes and archbishops. Over the centuries, the proximity to the sea encouraged the pilgrims to stop by while leaving for Santiago de Compostela. In 1587, the church was totally renovated and in 1606, it returned to the Augustinian monks. The current appearance dates back to the 19^th century when the building was provided with a new facade in Renaissance style and a new bell tower. The interior is simple, with a Latin cross and a unique nave.

Area: Livorno
Type: panoramic terrace
Address: Viale Italia

It is a recently restructured wide belvedere facing the sea. A sinusoidal balustrade resting on elegant small columns borders it. The terrace also represents one of the “salons” of the city which hosts events and festivals, especially in summer.

Area: Livorno
Type: Marine Aquarium
Address: Piazzale Razzauti, 1 – Terrace Mascagni
Phone:  +39 0586 269111
Email: info@acquariodilivorno.it
Website: www.acquariodilivorno.it
Opening hours: Depend on season – confirm before
Tickets:  € 13.00 full, € 10.00 reduced, € 7.00 for children, free for disabled

The Aquarium is located near the Terrace Mascagni and represents the third largest in Italy. Inside it offers a rich amount of marine life: more than 1500 specimens of 300 different species. There are 13 tanks entirely dedicated to the Mediterranean Sea, two more dedicated to the Etruscan Coast, to the Medici Port of the city, and to a typical Greek-Roman submerged archaeological section. Lastly, you can find representations of the most important marine areas of the world: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean.

Area: Livorno
Type: neoclassical building 19^th century
Address: Viale Carducci

It is a still functioning monumental reservoir. Built in the 19^th century with an authentic neoclassical style and designed by Poccianti, the building is in the immediate proximity of the Pertini Park, a pleasant green area.

Area: Livorno
Type: Historical villa 17^th – 19^th century
Address: Viale della Libertà, 30

The villa was built by the Grand Duke Ferdinando Medici as a summer residence. In 1881 it was bought by Bernardo Fabbricotti who transformed this villa into a luxurious residence, conserving some elements of the Renaissance style. The villa is surrounded by a large park, now open to the public, with a great number of pine trees, holm oak, palm, magnolia, cypress, and also sculptures. The villa also has an area for horse riding and a theater.

Area: Livorno
Type: historical canal 16^th century

It is the ancient canal that surrounded the city until 1577. The canals keep their original features, and they are included in the World Heritage list. The canals were part of the urban project designed by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti (16^th century). Currently, the Royal Canal and the canals of the ‘New Venice’ district are mainly used as a docking place for more than 2000 private boats. Along the canals important squares and buildings can be found such as the Palazzo Maurogardato, Piazza Cavour, Vettovaglie Market, Piazza della Repubblica, New Fortress, Forte San Pietro, and the New Venice District.

Area: Livorno
Locality:  Colognole
Type: Aqueduct (18^th century)

It was built in the late 18^th century to supply the city. It conveyed the water over a distance of 18 km, from the Colognole source to the city. It represents a significant well-preserved work of engineering.

Area: Livorno
Type: Lighthouse 14^th – 19^th century

It’s a lighthouse built in the early 14^th century by Pisanei. It was destroyed during the Second World War and faithfully reconstructed (also using a part of the original structure). Originally, the lighthouse was fueled by fire; subsequently by simple lamps with mirrors. Currently, it uses rotating optics powered by electricity.

Area: Livorno
Type: historic building (15^th century)

Attributed to Leon Battista Alberti, this tower with its octagonal shape was built in the first half of the 15^th century. It stands 54 meters high and is entirely covered with marble. Its name comes from a bronze banner placed at the top that contained the figure of a lion (unfortunately it was lost during a storm in the 18^th century). Some scenes of the movie ‘Ben Hur’ (1925) were filmed in front of the water tower.

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Area: Livorno
Municipalities:  Livorno, Rosignano Maritime and Colesalvetti
Type: Protected natural area

The park is an example of great historical and natural interest. It is located on the hills behind the city, and also includes the neighboring municipalities of Collesalvetti and Rosignano Maritime. Inside numerous paths wind through heather woods, holm oaks, cork oaks and pine trees. Adjacent to the park, along the coast, there is the Nature Reserve of Calafuria. The park incorporates a beautiful cape where remains of some fortifications are visible: the Castello del Boccale, Torre di Calafuria, and the Castello Sidney Sonnino. Last but not least, in the park the beautiful seaside resort of Castiglioncello and the Montener Sanctuary are located.

It’s also important to mention the area named Sassoscritto, on the lower slopes of the Monte Telegrafo, which has particularly interesting cliffs such as Punta Pacchiano, Punta Combara and Punta del Miglio. This area also has an enchanting little beach: Cala del Leone with a mix of sand and large pebbles. The coastline has many small rocky coves, among which the Scogli Neri, Buca dei Corvi and the Baia della Crepatura. The area is completely covered by a thick Mediterranean scrub and deep forest. The fauna consists mainly of wild boars, weasels, porcupines, foxes, and many bird species. In the park there are various numbered paths managed by C.A.I. (Italian Alpine Club).

Blue Flag beach
Area:Livorno
Locality: Antignano
Type:beach village

It was the site of an ancient Medici Fort in the southernmost district of the city, linked to the urbanization that began between the late 19^th and the early 20^th century. In the last decades, Antignano has become a seaside resort and has received the Blue Flag certification for the eco-environmental quality. Among all the beaches, Maroccone is probably the most appreciated for its beautiful naturalistic panorama.

Blue Flag beach
Area: Livorno
Locality:  Quercianella
Type: beach village

It’s a town only a few kilometers south of Livorno formed by a rocky and pebble coast, enriched by the presence of some old watchtowers. This seaside resort has been marked with the Blue Flag for the quality of the tourism services and the sea. The Port of Quercianella is a tourist mooring and, near the mouth of the River Chioma, the marina called Porto Chioma is located. Among the places to visit, don’t miss the Castle Sonnino, with its neo-Renaissance style. Baron Sidney Sonnino built it in the 19^th century on a cape overlooking the sea.

Area: Tuscan Archipelago
Type: Island

It is a small island located 37 kilometers from the coast and is part of the National Park of the Tuscany Archipelago. After 1860 the place was designed to accommodate a still functioning penal colony. The island has beautiful bays and coves like Cala Scirocco, where you can also admire the Grotta del Bove Marino, Cala Maestra, and Cala Marcona. On the island you can also find two forts: Torre Vecchia , which has ‘Pisane’ origin, and the Torre Nuova, built by the Medici. Noteworthy is the church of San Gorgonio with a fortified architecture.

Area: Tuscan Archipelago
Type: islet

In 1284, on this rock, located off the coast, a bloody battle between the Genoese and Pisan fleets took place that ended with the defeat of the latter. In the middle of the islet stands the tower that dates back to early 18^th century. It consists of four pillars linked by pointed arches. In 1722, on the seabed, four bronze heads were found of the Renaissance period depicting Homer, Sophocles, Aeschylus and an unknown figure.

Area: Livorno
Type: House-Museum

The museum is located inside the apartment where the painter Amedeo Modigliani lived with his family. The house-museum hosts a rich documentation of the life and the work of the painter, who was born in Livorno.

Area: Livorno
Type: Natural history museum
Address: Via Roma, 234 – Villa Henderson
Phone: +39 0586 26671
Email: musmed@provincia.livorno.it
Services: Guided tours

Located in Villa Henderson, this is considered an avant-garde museum for both the contents exposed and for the structures. It illustrates the physical and cultural evolution of mankind, with particular reference to the Mediterranean area. Guided tours are available by reservation only.

Area: Livorno
Type: Jewish Museum
Address: Via Micali, 21
Phone: +39 0586 896290
Email: comunitaebraica.livorno@gmail.com
Website: www.comunitaebraica.org

Besides a collection of furnishings and vestments of the Jewish religion, the museum houses a book collection dated between the 17^th and 20^th century and a Hekhàl from the 16^th century that contains the Torah scrolls. The museum also exhibits documents on the Nazi persecution.

Area: Livorno
Type: Theatre-Museum
Address: Via Goldini, 83 – Teatro Carlo Goldoni

The museum is located inside the Carlo Goldoni Theater, an imposing neo-classical building from the 19^th century that is still the hub of the city’s theatrical activity. The museum collects memorabilia that belonged to the composer Pietro Mascagni, who was a native of Livorno.

Area: Livorno
Type: Art museum
Address: via San Jacopo Acquaviva, 63 – Villa Mimbelli
Phone: +39 0585 808 001
Email: museofattori@comune.livorno.it
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Tickets: € 4.00 full, € 2.50 reduced

The museum is located inside the luxurious Villa Mimbelli, built by Vincenzo Micheli between 1865 and 1875 and surrounded by a large romantic park. It contains an important collection of works by the Macchiaioli and post-Macchiaioli, an artistic movement born in Livorno in the 19th century. Noteworthy is the collection of paintings by Giovanni Fattori.

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Type: art, entertainment, fair-market
When: from July to August

During the summer months July and August, the event ‘Effetto Venezia’ take place in the New Venice District, that is one of the oldest and most characteristic district of the city. The event is characterized by shows, cultural events and craft markets along the canals, with about 60 craft stalls and antiques.

Type: Sports
When: April to May

This represents a meeting point for sailing enthusiasts that takes place every year, parallel to the races, with the participation of international teams. The event is linked to a series of events taking place in the Porto Mediceo.

Type: Sports
When: June to July

Traditional rowing races. Three major competitions involving the districts of the city: The Risiatori Cup (second Sunday of June, from the Torre della Meloria to Porto Mediceo); The Ilio Barontini Cup (time race, at night, along the canals of the city, the last Saturday of June); the Palio Marinaro (stretch of beachfront to the Terrazza Mascagni, the second Sunday of July).

Fishing tourism is a recreational activity that takes place on board of artisanal fishing boats. With prior authorization, fishermen can embark a number of people besides the crew. Short trips at sea or longer fishing trips can be undertaken in any period of the year, considering the favorable weather conditions. Some excursions are also organized during the night. In some cases, there is onboard catering.

Information and booking: Coop. Santa Maria Assunta
Address: Via Padre Nicola Magri
Phone: +39 0586 426751
info@coopsma.it

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Ride through the town with an open bus that offers the possibility of getting on and off the bus at the main tourist attractions. On the bus information about all the visited places is available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

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Given the many canals in the city historic center, the tour of the Medicean Fossi offers the possibility to see the city from a different perspective. The tour along the waterways crosses the fortresses, bridges and buildings. During the tour you can also see the statue of the Four Mori, the Old Fortress, the Venice District, the Dominican Monastery, the New Fortress, Piazza della Repubblica, the Central Market, the Dutch-German Church and Maurogordato Palace.

Information and booking: Coop. Itinera
Phone: +39 348 7382094   +39 333 1573372

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The Livorno origins are mentioned in different legends and myths. The name of Labrone was already mentioned by Cicero in the 1^st century BC. In 1017 the name “Livorna” was attested for the first time. Between the 13^th and 14^th centuries many fortifications and a majestic lighthouse were built, currently known as Fanale del Pisani.

After the fall of the Republic of Pisa, Livorno was first sold to the Visconti of Milan, then in 1407 to Genoa and in 1421 to Florence. In the 16^th century, the Medici, Grand Dukes of Tuscany, contributed decisively to the development of the area and its port system. The architect Bernardo Buontalenti designed the project of a new fortified city: following the criteria of an “ideal city”, building a pentagonal structure within a broad system of moats and defensive bastions around the original nucleus.

The enactment, between 1590 and 1603, of the so-called “Laws Livornine” by the Grand Dukes, contributed to the growth of the city by establishing the free port and ensuring to the inhabitants of the city, both political and religious freedom. Immediately in the following years, Livorno was the destination of a flow of Jewish immigration: mainly traders, from Spain and Portugal, establishing a thriving and active community.

Also, many other foreign communities moved to Livorno, thanks to the benefits derived by the institution of the free port. After the Napoleonic period, the power returned to Lorraine that started the construction of large public works, such as the completion of the aqueduct of Colognole, while the fortifications of the Medici period were largely dismantled to be replaced by elegant palaces of the new middle class. After the unification, customs duty was abolished (1868) and this led to a drastic drop in commercial and maritime traffic activities.

The subsequent installation of the Orlando Shipyard will rapidly change the aspect of the city, transforming it into a major industrial center. Starting from the first half of the 19^th century, on the seafront several seaside resorts were built. This was also the period in which many works were realized by the Macchiaioli and Post- Macchiaioli artists that can be seen at the Civic Museum Giovanni Fattori. The beginning of the 20^th century has seen a growth of numerous architectural and urban projects. The Second World War bombardments caused the destruction of a large part of the city center. Post-conflict reconstruction lasted many years and gave the city the appearance of a modern and heavily industrialized city.

The main dishes are, of course, with fish, with abundant use of tomatoes, introduced in Livorno by Sephardic Jews.

Baccalà alla livornese
Triglie alla livornese    
Cacciucco
Cuscussù                
Pollo in galantina    
Triglie alla mosaica
Impannata di pesce            
Carciofi ripieni        
Uova filate

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Even more characteristic is the “poor cuisine”, which form a kind of sub-genre of Livorno cuisine.

Bordatino                
Inno di Garibaldi        
Picchiante con le patate
Francesina                
Cavolo strascicato        
Favetta
Fagioli con le cotenne        
Boghe al pomodoro        
Zerri sotto il pesto
Ministra sulla palla            
Acciughe alla povera        
Salvia fritta
Patate rifatte                
Ministra sui discorsi        
Brodo di sassi
5×5 (panino con torta di ceci)

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At the other extreme are the dishes of the “rich” aristocracy.

Ragno alla Lardere            
Ostriche alla livornese     
Peperonata
Timballo di murena alla Pancaldi    
Orate fredde all’Ardenza    
Agnello in fricassea    
Minestrone alla livornese

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Cotognata
Roschette  (brought by the Jews fled from Spain)
Stiacciata alla livornese    
Ciambella all’anice    
Fritelle di farina dolce
Bollo                    
I frati                
Chicchi di menta

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Persiana (based on aniseed and mint extract)        
Ponce

Torpedine

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Ristorante Ca’ Moro

The restaurant is housed in an old fishing boat anchored in the Old Dock.

Piazza del Pamiglione – Darsena Vecchia  – 57100  Livorno (LI)
Phone: +39 391 4333025
Website: www.camoro.it
Email: ristocamoro@gmail.com
Service: specialty traditional Livorno food, cultural events – closed Monday and Tuesday

Ristorante Cantina Senese

Borgo dei Capuccini, 95  – 57126 Livorno (LI)
Phone: +39 0586 890239
Website: www.ristorantecantinaseneselivorno.com
Email: paolosanna2002@tin.it
Service: Livorno specialty traditional food, cultural events – closed Monday and Tuesday

Trattoria Il Deserto

Via Provinciale Pisana, 527 –  57100  Livorno (LI)
Phone: +39 0586 444652  /  +39 338 9671004
Service: pan-fried fish and seafood – closed Sunday

Ristorante  Il Sottomarino

Via Terrazzini, 48 – 57122  Livorno (LI)
Phone: +39 0586 887025
Service: specialties traditional cuisine of Livorno

Trattoria Osteria Melafumo

Via Mentana, 78/80 – 57125 Livorno (LI)
Phone:  +39 0586 894702
Service:  Livorno cuisine, seafood specialties

Trattoria L’Angelo d’Oro

Pian G. Mazzini, 15 – 57126 Livorno (LI)
Phone:  +39 0586 881295   /  +39 339 4957263
Service:  Tuscan cuisine specialties from Livorno – closed Wednesday

Torteria al Mercato “da Gagarin”

Via del Cardinale, 24  – 57123  Livorno (LI)
Tel: +39 0586 884086
Services: savory and traditional sweet cakes

Il Viandante

Viale Caprera, 13  – 57123 Livorno (LI)
Tel: +39 338 4490189
Services: sandwiches, pasta dishes, wine tasting – closed Monday – closed for lunch except Tuesday and Thursday

Area: Livorno
Type: Market
Address: Scali Aurelio Saffi – Fosso Reale

It’s a 19^th century building, designed by the architect Angiolo Badaloni, who was influenced by the architecture of iron and glass. At that time, it was one of the largest covered markets in Europe and for that reason, it was called “the Louvre.” The interior has a large hall covered by a skylight offering space to 200 stalls selling fish, vegetables, poultry and also 92 wineries and craft shops.

Area: Livorno
Type: Market
Address: Port

It was built after the war as a selling point of goods, mostly of US origin. A few years ago this market was moved from the historical site of Piazza Mazzini to the commercial port.

With this tourist card, you have free access to urban public transport, free entrance to the Civic Museum Giovanni Fattori and the Museum of Natural History of the Mediterranean. The card also offers reduced price for a Batello tour in the Medicean Fossi and for the Livorno Aquarium, as well as discounts in affiliated shops.

The card is available in two forms:
– Valid for 1 day: € 3.00
– Valitdità 3 days: € 5.00Salva