Livorno, one of Tuscany’s economic hubs situated on the west coast of central Italy, is known for its massive modern seaport and medieval-era fortifications. Like every port city, Livorno has always been a crossroads and a melting pot of diverse cultures. The multiethnic aspect of the place contributes substantially to its fascinating charm.
Over the centuries, Livorno has had links to prehistoric Etruscan and Roman epochs. And during the medieval period, the Medici family helped further develop the city and its port by commissioning the renowned architect Buontalenti. He built a fortified citadel with fosses and bastions, which gave Livorno its present-day character. It is a destination for fresh seafood lovers, with ancient and contemporary museums, urban waterways, and vibrant nightlife.
A visit to Livorno is both understated and undeniably worthwhile on a Tuscan itinerary. The Italian Portland is easily accessible by train from Florence, Pisa, and Rome. If you want to explore all of Livorno, all you need is an off weekend of three days or maybe a week. You can also get a rented car to wander around this beautiful coastline.
These are some of the places in Livorno that are not to miss!!
TERRAZA MASCAGNI
The elegant waterfront terrace is a classic and charming window to the sea that is always buzzing with activity. The floor is paved in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern, lined with marble benches, restaurants, shops, and a grand gazebo. And it has also been famous for its cinematic and photographic opportunities. Là Terraza, an Italian award-winning drama film from 1980, was shot in this place. In the evenings, Terrazza Mascagni is bustling with locals and visitors of all ages who stroll, observe, and take in the sights.
FORTEZZA NUOVA, LIVORNO
In the mid-to-late 1500s, the new fort was constructed to reinforce Livorno’s defenses and served as a second fortification alongside the old. It features a typical pentagonal style with a series of pointed battlements. An ancient wall surrounds the imposing structure of the fort. Much of the defensive features, such as the gun ports, still stand intact, whereas a beautiful garden and grounds are in the center of the building. Among the fort’s many passageways and battlements, visitors can walk to see the canals and the city from the base. You can explore the fort to its full potential today.
FORTEZZA VECCHIA, LIVORNO
More commonly known as the Old Fort. Antonio da Sangallo constructed this magnificent building for the Medici family in the early 1500s. It lies in the port and harbor region of Livorno, together with the Fortezza Nuova. The design of this defensive wall has stood as a symbol of local power for hundreds of years. The fort and its grounds are accessible to the public. The battlements and towers provide stunning views of the port and harbor. Furthermore, inside the grounds is the small but beautiful church of San Francisco that appeared in later years.
PIAZZA DELLA REPUBLICA, LIVORNO
Livorno has several impressive historic squares, but the Piazza Della Repubblica is undoubtedly the grandest. You can find this enormous square on the edge of the Fortezza Nuova canal directly parallel to the Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. It consists of a large oval design, and two ornate marble statues stand guard at either end of the square. The surrounding buildings display a beautiful array of colors and styles. Several fascinating art galleries and restaurants reside here, with numerous seating areas for visitors. The perfect place to relax, spend some time with culture, and enjoy the peace!
MUSEO DI STORIA NATURALE DEL MEDITERRANEAN
An impressive collection of whale skeletons, the biggest measuring almost 64 feet, is contained at the Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterranean. It was established in 1929. It is a botanical garden of Mediterranean coastal flora and an environmental education center. Several exhibits related to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods may also exist in the museum during some events. This natural history museum is considered one of the best museums in Livorno, where you can learn all about coastal life.
CALAFURIA COAST, LIVORNO
Driving south to Calafuria from Livorno will take roughly 25-30 minutes. The charming coastal town of Calafuria lies along the SS1 highway. Calafuria itself does not have much to offer apart from campsites and beach resorts. What it does have, however, is a stunning stretch of coastline dotted with rocky coves and secluded beaches. If you park next to the old Torre di Calafuria, you can scramble down onto the rocks and start exploring.
Locals often travel down from Livorno to escape the tourists and sunbathe on the rocks while savoring a pleasant break from their busy lives. The scenery is breathtaking, and the rock pools and coastline are incredibly gorgeous!
PIOMBINO, LIVORNO
It is a little commune of Livorno with a naval base, port, and lots of hidden beaches. The city’s port serves both land transport as well as marine. The town stretches over the sea with a small historical center that is easy to explore on foot from the port. The gate of St. Antonino, known as the Torrione, dates back to 1200 and is the oldest monument of Piombino. Rivellino, the adjacent region, got its massive semicircular reinforcements in the 15th century. The Piazza Bovio is a beautiful panoramic viewpoint in the city located just behind the Town Hall. Behind the Town Hall lies a view of the citadel and the sea.
If you enjoy trekking and want to discover a hidden jewel of the city, you should visit Buka Delle Fate. Perhaps the most beautiful place in Livorno I have ever seen, after the hidden islands. However, you must walk about 20-30 minutes up and down the mountain to reach the city’s edge. From this point, you can see Isola D’elba, the most beautiful hidden island in the world. You can also access the nearest Livorno Islands, such as Elba, Capraia, and Montecristo, by cruise or by ferry from any of the ports in Livorno.
