Livorno has born from the will of the Medici who in 1606 made it a city. In this article, we have listed the top 10 Livorno things to do. Livorno became an oasis of welcome for all religious, political, or racial persecuted, enriching itself with the resourcefulness and customs of the most disparate foreign nations. Livorno is situated in Tuscany Region in Italy.
Bridges, canals, and ancient buildings that reflect on the calm waters make you think of a little Venice on the Mediterranean. This marine embrace is no coincidence because Livorno is not only a seaside city but is also the daughter of the waves of the second half of the sixteenth century when due to the military and commercial strategies of the Medici. For more articles check Veneto Region in Italy. Let’s explore Livorno things to do.
1. The Church of San Ferdinando Livorno
The Church of San Ferdinando gabled facade covered with bricks makes it look like an almost unkempt building, but the story changes once you cross it. high portal. Its interior has been defined as a white baroque cloud and it is not difficult to understand why, everything is whiteness among which architectural lines and hypnotic works of art are explained.
2. Mascagni Terrace Livorno
This beautiful square overlooking the sea, with its exceptional black and white checkered floor, is one of the most beautiful places in the city: from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view, admire the shades of blue waves against the sky and soak in the sunset.
3. Aquarium of Livorno
On the ground floor, the exhibition tanks, a tunnel, a tactile tank, and two jellyfish tanks dedicated to the important theme of plastic pollution. In addition, a tank dedicated to the green turtles “Ari” and “Cuba” and one to the Kelp. On the first floor a space dedicated to insects, amphibians, and reptiles where it is possible to admire the chameleon, the iguana, a real anthill where the leaf-cutting ants move, and many other specimens. From the first floor, you can access the panoramic terrace overlooking the Livorno seafront and the islands of the Archipelago.
4. Sanctuary of Montenero Livorno
Montenero, located on a hill overlooking the sea and the port of Livorno, is one of the most famous places in Tuscany due particularly to its famous Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna Delle Grazie. The origins of the Sanctuary date back to May 15, 1345, the feast of Pentecost, when, according to tradition, a poor crippled shepherd found the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary and following an inner intuition took it to the Montenero hill, a place already known as a refuge. of brigands and for this reason considered dark, gloomy … the “mountain of the devil”.
5. Church of Santa Caterina
It is located in the center of the Venice district. It is worth entering to see its 63-meter-high frescoed dome and the beautiful Coronation of the Virgin altarpiece by Giorgio Vasari.
6. Monument to the Quattro Mori
The Quattro Mori sculpture is located in Piazza Micheli, in front of the Livorno seafront. And it is the first thing to see during this walking itinerary to discover Livorno. Commissioned by Grand Duke Ferdinando I de Medici, one of the most important characters of Livorno at the time, who loved this city and had its development at heart.
7. Venice Neighborhood
That’s one of the best things to do in Livorno. Montenero, Coteto, Petrarca and Leccia. These are just some of the names of the districts of Livorno. We want to dedicate a special mention to the Venezia Nuova district, known simply as the “Venice Quarter”. It is the only one in the city to have preserved its roots – both from an urban and architectural point of view – despite the devastation of the Second World War.
8. The Duomo and via Grande Livorno
The Cathedral of Livorno, known as the Cathedral of San Francesco, is located in Piazza Grande. The origins date back to the 16th century. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the last war and faithfully rebuilt in the following years. Here you will find the Christ Crowned with Thorns on display. The work is attributed to Beato Angelico, who painted it in the mid-fifteenth century. He is famous for the painful expression on his face.
9. Bagni Pancaldi Acquaviva
Like all seaside towns, Livorno has its beautiful promenade overlooking Viale Italia. The stretch that starts from Bagni Pancaldi Acquaviva is about 4 km long and reaches the town of Antignano. The Bagni Pancaldi Acquaviva takes us back in time, up to 1840, when artists and aristocrats chose this bathhouse to spend their summer holidays in Tuscany.
10. Piazza della Repubblica Livorno
It is the most beautiful square in the city. Walk along Via Grande until you see the monuments dedicated to the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, Ferdinand III, and Leopoldo II. The square will give you a particular view of the Fosso Reale. A moat that once marked the beginning of the defensive line of the capital. Remember that Livorno is a city of ditches and canals.
Livorno things to do
- The Church of San Ferdinando
- Mascagni Terrace
- Aquarium of Livorno
- Sanctuary of Montenero
- Church of Santa Caterina
- Monument to the Quattro Mori
- Venice Neighborhood
- The Duomo and via Grande
- Bagni Pancaldi Acquaviva
- Piazza della Repubblica