LIVORNO

Livorno

Livorno is one of the most important sea ports in Italy and headquarters of the Italian Naval Academy. The city preserves the magnificent layout that the Medici bestowed upon it between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It has a pentagonal wall surrounded by navigable moats, with two imposing forts (Fortezza Vecchia and Nuova), the Cathedral of Livorno (il Duomo) and the Via Grande porch.

The most striking neighbourhood is certainly Venezia Nuova (New Venice), built in the seventeenth century based on the lagoon city’s model. It has a linked network of canals and houses, among its many historic bridges and palaces, characteristic sites and restaurants.

We recommend a visit to Santa Caterina Church, to the Sanctuary dedicated to Holy Mary of Grace, located in the hamlet of Montenero, or the two large, neoclassical-style reservoirs designed by renowned architect, Poccianti: the Cisternone and the Cisternino, currently used to host cultural events.

We also recommend the “Giovanni Fattori” Civic Museum, home to the eighth century Villa Mimbelli collection, containing mostly paintings from the mid-800s to the 940s, by core groups of Livorno artists (Fattori, Corcos, Nomellini, etc.) and some works by Tuscan and other artists (Lega, Signorini, Boldini etc.).