Livorno, a Renaissance city and port of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, boasts an ancient seafaring tradition. It has always been the gateway to Tuscany at the center of the Mediterranean routes. From its quays it is possible to reach the most famous art cities and the splendid tourist resorts of the coast within a few kilometers.
Dynamic and multifaceted city expresses in the open and hospitable character of its inhabitants the multicultural and multiethnic connotation that has characterized its history. A place where the spirit of hospitality opens the doors of the ancient seaside districts to tourists, starting with the Venezia Nuova district, where the sea, through a network of canals, flows between the 17th century palaces.
From Venezia Nuova, which unravels between two majestic Medici Fortresses, we arrive at the Medici port where the famous statue of the Quattro Mori is found, which symbolizes the victory of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand I over the pirates and Barbaries.
Ideal city designed by Bernardo Buontalenti at the end of the sixteenth century, with its oldest star-shaped center, it has been enriched with churches, monuments and palaces starting from those of the great merchants of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries who lived in Livorno from where they carried out their trade all over the world, up to the precious neoclassical inserts and the nineteenth-century urban scenographies. The Goldoni Theater, the Central Market, Palazzo Hugens, the Palace of the marble columns, Palazzo de Lardarel, the churches of San Francesco and Santa Caterina, the Porta San Marco, the Cathedral, the Town Hall, are just some of the jewels of the city.The promenade that runs from the historic center to the cliffs of Romito overlooking the sea is of unparalleled beauty, dotted with Liberty villas and bathing establishments. It houses the headquarters of the Naval Academy. The Mascagni Terrace, near which the Aquarium is located, is the living room of the city, directly overlooking the sea, from where it is possible to admire all the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and nearby Corsica in their beauty.
From the villages of Ardenza and Antignano you can reach the sanctuary of Montenero, famous for centuries for its Madonna, patron saint of sailors from all over the Mediterranean.
Livorno, which was the birthplace of internationally renowned artists such as Pietro Mascagni and Amedeo Modigliani, is rich in museums and cultural events. In August, for almost a month, the Venezia Nuova district opens its "cellars", the old warehouses where goods were stored, and its buildings to host the "Venice Effect" party and rowing competitions such as the Palio Marinaro when they challenge the districts of the city on rowing boats.
A dip in taste is a must while savoring the famous Livorno cuisine that originates from the customs of all the peoples who inhabited the year, starting with the strong Jewish community that still reveals itself today in the preparation of some dishes. The cacciucco, but also the mullet or the cod alla livornese, the punch, the chickpea cake, are some of the dishes of the varied food and wine offer. Even in the dish, as in the landscape or in art, colors and flavors blend together while preserving the knowledge and values of tradition.
