Livorno

Livorno is the capital of the Livorno province in Tuscany. The port city of Livorno is the third largest city after Florence and Prato, with a lively population of about 170 000, and a remarkably favorable location by the Tuscan coast. Here you will find the authentic Italy, where the locals fill the streets, bars, and restaurants to a far greater extent than the tourists.

The port of Livorno faces the Ligurian Sea and is the third largest on Italy’s west coast, as well as being one of Tuscany’s biggest economic hubs. Even though the city is less known and more industrialized than its neighboring cities, it is extremely charming. Here you will find canals reminiscent of Venice, excellent family attractions, historic museums, picturesque castles, and a vibrant nightlife. While in Livorno, you should take the time to truly see and explore this authentic port city. After that you can see the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast with its picturesque and historic castles, vineyards, and cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Many visitors arrive to Livorno by cruise ships, and it is considered more as a stop along the way to more popular destinations. This means that many tourists only make a brief acquaintance with the city as they take the ferry to other places such as Sardinia or Corsica. However, we highly suggest not rushing through Livorno and instead experience the charm of this lesser known Italian coastal city.

History and culture

Napoleon occupied Livorno three times between 1796 and 1800, with the intensions of destroying the ports chances to compete with Marseilles, and to seize the wealth belonging to the British community in the city. After the French occupation, Lorraine was again brought back to power, and during their reign, Livorno went through an expansion including the building of new entrances, squares, and public buildings such as Teatro Goldoni. The city and port are important destinations for travelers, and tourists are attracted to its historic buildings and surroundings.

Livorno has many attractions. The canals from the 17th century in Piccola Venezia (Little Venice) is a great place to start. ven though sailing around the canals is not as romantic as in Venice, it is still a great experience. There are trips from Piazza della Repubblica in the city center of Livorno.

Quartiere Venezia (the Venice District) is a unique neighborhood from the 17th century which is located in the historic center of the city. It is also referred to as Venezia Nuova, the New Venice, for obvious reasons. Systems of canals were common in Italy during the Middle Ages, and were used to transport products between the merchant’s home and the warehouse. Many residents still keep boats docked outside their homes. The Effetto Venezia festival celebrates this water-bound district.

Along the canals is the Piazza della Reppublica. The square is the home of two huge statues and the Fortezza Nuova Castle. The castle dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by a beautiful park.

Visit Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori where you will see highly esteemed and treasured works by the Italian Impressionists.

For families with children, a trip to Livorno’s aquarium can be a great experience. Acquario di Livorno is located along the seaside promenade Terrazza Mascagni, and is an ideal family destination.

Although Livorno is not a great beach town, you can still spend the day by the sea on one of the many bagni, or coastal complexes, south of the harbor. For a daily fee, you can access small sandy areas for the kids to play, along with sheltered swimming areas, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, snack bars, and changing rooms.

Terrazza Mascagni is a charming beach promenade filled with activities year-round. The Terrazza has a paved surface, with tiles laid in black and white placed as a checkerboard, and it is lined with marble benches, restaurants, shops, and a magnificent gazebo. In the evening, Terrazza Mascagni is filled with locals and visitors.

This centrally located port city is an excellent base for exploring Tuscany’s coastline. Rent a car and go on a day trip to the beaches in the south. Stop at the magnificent Castello del Boccale and Castello Sonnino and its vineyard. North of Livorno is the Cinque Terre with its five villages. These are most easily accessible by train or ferry in the summer. Evening walks along the beautiful promenade Terrazza Mascagni can be a nice way end to the day.

Food and wine

In Livorno, seafood reigns, so there is no wonder the city’s most famous dish is Cacciucco; a fish stew made with herbs and tomatoes spread over garlic bread. The dish is made with different types from 10 to 20 different types of fish.

Other gastronomic delights include dishes with lamb, cinghiale (wild boar), and chicken.

Ponce alla livornese is a drink enjoyed after dinner. It is a mixture of rum, cognac, sassolino (anise-flavored liqueur), lemon crust, sugar, and a shot of hot coffee.

A large fish and vegetable market – Il Mercato delle Vettovaglie di Livorno – is located in the middle of the city and is open every day. «II Mercato delle Vettovaglie di Livorno». It isn’t only the products that make this market an experience; its architecture can be dated back to 1894 and is magnificent. It is said to be Europe’s largest under roof food market. It has more than 200 booths and shops, and you will find a little bit of everything, from ready-to-eat fast food to homemade ragu. The market offers a wonderful piece of Italian life (closed on Sundays).

We recommend visiting the city festival “Effetto Venezia” if you are in the area at the end of July. During the festival, you will experience the city’s atmosphere, eat along the canals in the primitive booths, and taste the delicious local dishes. There is also a handcraft market, street music, and open stores and shops.

Shopping

Shopping in Livorno offers a wide range of products and prices, from the popular Livorno markets to shops and stores selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, leather goods, and designer accessories. Livorno is a rather large city meaning you can find pretty much anything you need in the city center.

Transportation

Livorno is located only 20 km (12 miles) to the south west of Pisa. Taking the bus is a good alternative for transportation during a vacation in Livorno. Most bus routes pass through Piazza Grande. There are daily ferries to and from Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Tuscan islands. This means a city vacation in Livorno may also include some island-hopping.