Until the fifteenth century, Livorno was little more than a fishing village. Now a real port city. The port, which later became of great importance to the city of Livorno, was built on the orders of Cardinal Giulio de Medici. Now large cruise ships regularly arrive at Livorno Port. The city center is located around Piazza del Municipio. Here are beautiful buildings such as that of the town hall. Actually, the city is full of beautiful houses and buildings, mostly built in the Renaissance. There are also noteworthy museums such as the Museo Virtuale d’Arte Contemporanea and Museo Mascagnano. The long promenade that runs from the harbor towards the town of Antignano leads you along the beautiful coast of Livorno.
Top 10 things to do in Livorno
#1. Duomo di Livorno
According to Computerdo, the cathedral of Livorno can be found on the Piazza Grande. The base of the Duomo di Livorno was built as early as the sixteenth century. After that, parts were added and modified. The cathedral was not spared during the Second World War. Fortunately, everything has been restored and you can enjoy this beautiful piece of architecture. It is remarkable that the rear has a completely different appearance than the front.
#2. Piazza Grande Markt
This most important and imposing square in Livorno has a number of monumental buildings to offer. For example, here are the royal palace and the cathedral of Livorno. After the square was largely destroyed during the Second World War, they managed to restore its beauty. Here you will find the Palazzo della Dogana, built in the seventeenth century, which houses the Chamber of Commerce. Palazzo Granducale, the royal palace. And the Palazzo Comunale which houses the town hall.
#3. Venezia Nuova
The city district Venezia Nuova can be called special. With its many canals that run through the district, it immediately reminds you of Venice. Although Venezia Nuova has not been around since the founding of Livorno, it is considered by many to be the true center of the city. Over the centuries, many old buildings and churches have been preserved. The district is most lively during the festivities of the annual Effetto Venezia. The streets and canals are elaborately decorated and there are many stalls, street performers and performances to admire. Effetto Venezia is organized in the summer months.
#4. Fortezza Vecchia
As a protective fortress, the Fortezza Vecchia was strategically placed in the harbor. From here it had to fend off attacks and fight for the existence of the city and its city limits. Centuries later, Fortezza Vecchia has served as a barracks and military academy. Today it hosts all kinds of cultural events.
#5. Fortezza Nuova
During the sixteenth century, this fortress was built by order of the Medici government. Then the pentagonal design of the city of Livorno was created. It was enclosed by a city wall surrounded by water. The Fortezza Nuova is also located in a pool of water and is connected to the mainland by bridges.
#6. Viale Italia
The lovely pedestrian promenade, Viale Italia, runs from the harbor to the village of Antignano. On the one side the coast of the Ligurian Sea and on the other side the beautiful backdrop of Livorno. Along the way you will pass a number of sights such as Terrazza Mascagni, military university Naval Academy, Castello Sonnino and all kinds of historic houses and buildings.
#7. La Chiesa di San Jacopo
This church is located in the most beautiful location of Livorno. It is located a few meters from the sea. The start of the construction of the San Jacopo is around 1160. After years of construction, it is finished around 1897. Since then it has been adapted and restored a number of times. It is still considered the most beautiful church in Livorno.
#8. Aquarium Diacinto Cestoni
This interesting aquarium is named after the biologist and scientist Diacinto Cestoni. He was the person who proved that scabies is caused by a parasite. There is also a lot to learn in this aquarium, but especially about the sea and everything that lives in it. Finally, a piece about Mediterranean history is told.
#9. Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori
The beautiful aristocratic villa ‘Villa Mimbelli’ houses the museum, which is partly dedicated to the Italian painter Giovanni Fattori. In addition to his works, there are also other beautiful paintings and works of art by celebrities to admire. Over the years, the museum has been supplemented with some archaeological objects.
#10. Teatro Carlo Goldoni
The foundation stone of Teatro Carlo Goldoni was laid around 1843. After many restorations, this building has still retained its authentic character. This most important theater in the city of Livorno presents all kinds of masterpieces from the history of music. In particular the pieces by the Italian composer/conductor Pietro Antonio Stefano Macagni, of which there is even an indoor museum.