Livorno

Livorno is a port city located in the western edge of Tuscany in Italy. It faces the Ligurian Sea and is a popular vacation destination ever since the Renaissance period. It is also home to varied communities of people with different ethnic backgrounds. The English equivalent of its place-name is Leghorn.

Sights & Activities

Most explorations of Livorno start at the Piazza del Padiglione, where the Quattro Mori monument is located. This monument depicts the marble statue Grand Duke Ferdinando II with four bronze statues of chained Muslims. The monument was erected in honor of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen which was established to eliminate the threats of Turkish pirates.

The city boasts of two fortresses, the older Fortezza Vecchia and the more contemporary Fortezza Nuova. The former is pentagonal in shape, complete with moats, keep, and cylindrical tower. The fort’s oldest structure, the keep, was constructed in the 11th century and the whole complex was built as defense for the fort. The Fortezza Nuovo, on the other hand, is polygon in shape and was completed in the 16th century. Visitors are free to explore this attraction and stroll along the public park that is located within the buttressed rampart.

Visitors can also stroll along the English Cemetery, where most of the Englishmen living in the city during the 17th to 19th century were buried. The tombs of this cemetery are engraved with poetic inscriptions, adding to the uniqueness of this particular attraction.

Another historic building in the city is the Cisternone, a water tower that was built in the 19th century. It is of Neo-Classical style and features a vaulted niche. The structure is located along Via de Larderel.

The city’s cathedral, dedicated to San Francesco d’Assisi, is a 17th century structure that is situated in the central part of the town, within the Piazza Grande. Highlights of the structure include the frescoes on the ceiling and the presence of a number of tombs.

There is also a covered market in Livorno, constructed in a combination of Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical styles during the 19th century. It contains a number of shops, has numerous cellars as well as workshops.

Art lovers can also head out to the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori, which showcases artworks made by painters following the Macchiaoli and Postmacchiali fundamental movements. The museum is housed within the Villa Mimbelli, a 19th century structure located on Via San Jacopo. Another museum, this time displaying modern art pieces, is the Museo d’Arte Contemporanea.

Visitors should also take the time to stroll along the seafront of Livorno. Along the way, they will get to enjoy beautiful coastal views, pass attractive boulevards, admire magnificent villas, and take a rest at several kiosks. They can also stop by the Acquario Comunale or the Municipal Aquarium, an attraction managed by the nearby marine biology institute.

There are also several events that Livorno is famous for. One is the Effeto Venezia, a summer festival held at Venezia Nuova, the city’s old working class district. During this event, arts and craft fairs are organized. There are also several exhibits and street performances to enjoy, while boat rides along the canals are also offered.

There are also several rowing events held in the city. The Risi’atori Cup is organized every June while the Palio Marinaro is held a month later at the seafront.

Weather

Due to its location right on the coast of Tuscany, Livorno experiences only mild climate. The summer months of June to September are the busiest, with much of the tourists from inland cities heading out to the beach to sunbathe, go swimming, and generally enjoy the beach lifestyle. Even with the temperature turning hot, the cooling sea breeze never fails to bring relief. Spring, however, is the perfect time to explore the sights and attractions the city has to offer. With the temperature gradually becoming warmer, the city becomes more colorful with flowers and fresh produce becomes abundant. Late September to early part of November is autumn, where Livorno becomes damp and wet with the occurrence of rainfall, though the city still enjoys abundant sunshine. Winter is just several degrees cooler compared to summer and snow is quite rare.