Livorno was founded in 1577 and built by Buontalenti, commissioned by the Medicis, who thus won an important access to the sea. After the supremacy of Pisa, Livorno became, under the Medicis, an important port, equipped with fortresses and military outposts. Soon afterwards the town greeted a lively multiratial community, thanks to the politics of Ferdinand 1. In fact, he encouraged the reception exiled people such as Jews and English Catholics, who were subject to political or religious persecutions. As a result of Napoleon’s invasion in 1868 the town lost its quality as a free port and its economical development diminished.?

The sea flows through the Medicean canals right into the old quarters of the city, giving Livorno the unique charm of a piece of Tuscany reaching into the sea. Its history, traditions and culture, the flaming sunsets and limpid, scented air, sea sports and gastronomic traditions all speak of Livorno’s link with the sea.

Europe’s first bathing establishments were built here in the nineteenth century when the idea of seaside holidays first became popular.

The Natural History Museum and the Aquarium contain many precious treasures recovered from the sea. Livorno is home to the prestigious Naval Academy where Italian Navy officers have been trained for over a century, and which hosts an annual Sailing Trophy with participants from all over the world.

Ancient seagoing traditions are also kept alive by rowing races held between the city’s various quarters, both in the sea and on the canals.

Places to See

• Piazza della Repubblica is still admired today for its unusual architecture. It is in fact a bridge covering a long stretch of navigable canal.
• Nuova Venezia (New Venice), built during the 17th century, still preserves some of its original features with canals and waterways.
• Seaside Walk – often depicted in paintings by the Macchiaioli school, runs through palm trees and tamarisks, past cliffs, shingle beaches and rocks sculpted by the wind and waves for 9kms.
• “Giovanni Fattori” Civic Museum. Works by nineteenth century Tuscan painters can be admired here also international exhibitions of contemporary art.
• Historic Goldoni Theatre will house the Mascagni Museum (Museo Mascagnano) dedicated to music.
• Historic and religious reminders of the “Nations” which populated Livorno can be seen in the “Yeshiva Marini” Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), the St. Ranieri Oratory (Oratorio di S. Ranieri), the St. Giulia Museum (Museo di Santa Giulia), the United Greek Church (Chiesa dei Greci Uniti) and in the architecture of the Armenian Church (Chiesa degli Armeni).