Livorno
Livorno was founded in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Medici .
History
Livorno was founded in the second half of the sixteenth century by the Medici when, for military and commercial reasons, the fishing village which had grown up round Matilde di Canossa’s keep (Mastio di Matilde di Canossa) rapidly became one of the Mediterranean’s main ports.
Reminders of the “Nations”, which contributed to the birth and growth of an important port known throughout the Mediterranean, are to be found in churches, historic cemeteries, archives and food.
Guarding the Port is the Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fortress) with its imposing Matilde’s Keep (Mastio di Matilde), connected by internal waterways to the Fortezza Nuova (New Fortress) in the heart of the city.
The old town - Venezia Nuova
The quarter known as Nuova Venezia (New Venice), built during the 17th century, still preserves some of its original features.
Particularly interesting are the Medicean Fossi, a network of navigable canals connecting the warehouses and homes of merchants which, like those in Venice, had entrances at water level leading to rooms where goods were once stored.
Examples of elegant architecture can still be admired along Via Borra.
The quarter contains many religious and civic buildings such as Bottini dell’Olio – an eighteenth-century oil warehouse with vaulted ceilings.
Piazza della Repubblica is still admired today for its unusual architecture. It is in fact a bridge covering a long stretch of navigable canal.
Livorno and the sea
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.
The seafront walk
A splendid seafront 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.
From the Port of Livorno, dominated by the ancient Medicean Fortress, where fishing boats and leisure craft are moored, Viale Italia runs for nine enchanting kilometres to the village of Antignano.
Along the avenue are bathing establishments, stands of pine trees where painting exhibitions are held, pastel-coloured Art nouveau villas, inviting characteristic kiosks for a welcome rest, moorings and marinas, and the greenery of the Caprilli Racecourse where prestigious horse races are held during the season.
The Terrazza Mascagni offers wonderful views of Gorgona and Capraia, two islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, and Corsica.
The scenic route continues as far as Quercianella along a rocky coast with limpid waters, a paradise for fishermen and scuba divers.
Livorno and good eating
Livorno style cacciucco (a rich fish stew), red mullet, salt cod and dried cod are just some of the famous dishes from the town’s rich gastronomic tradition which grew out of its mix of different peoples and cultures.
These tasty fish dishes, dense with flavours and aroma, are offered by elegant restaurants and traditional trattorias by the sea or along the banks of the canals that flow through the old town.
Risotto with squid ink, shellfish, cuttlefish in piquant dressing, fine fish and oily fish are all cooked with mastery and imagination. Two specialities not to be missed are "torta" made with chickpea flour and eaten in a roll or "schiacciata" (flat bread), and "Livorno Punch" to round off a good meal.
The imposing architecture of the nineteenth century covered Central Market forms an elegant backdrop for the day’s fresh caught fish, the spices, fruits and thousands of other products to be found there.
Montenero and its sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Montenero, dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, the patron saint of Tuscany, stands in the hilltop village of Montenero, already known to tourists in the Eighteenth century for its lovely countryside. Leading up to the Sanctuary is a wide flight of steps, from which there is a wonderful view of the town and sea below.
To the left is the church, its atrium decorated with frescoes, while on the right a loggia houses a memorial chapel with the tombs of well-known Livornese, such as the painters Enrico Pollastrini, Giovanni Fattori and the sculptor Paolo Emilio Demi.
Inside the Sanctuary, magnificently decorated with multi-coloured marble and stucco-work, the sacristy leads to a long gallery of votive offerings, evidence of the population’s devotion to Our Lady.
Livorno: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Viareggio (Lucca)
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32 km from Livorno
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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35 km from Livorno
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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38 km from Livorno
Farmhouse Massarosa 14 beds pool
Beautiful ancient Tuscan farmhouse completely renovated located on Tuscan hills 10 km from the golf course of Versilia. The villa can accommodate up to 14 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace for those looking for a stay in the Tuscan hills while staying close to the sea. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in close contact with nature. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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39 km from Livorno
Residenza d'Epoca I Pini
Historical house HOTEL I PINI : In Lido di Camaiore in Tuscany 100 meters from the sea only, a place of serenity and charm in Versilia!
Booking ONLINE
The Residenza d'Epoca HOTEL I PINI is an ancient villa in 1900 in Liberty style, completely renovated which still has all the charm of the residence of the painter / Ceramist Galileo Chini. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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40 km from Livorno
Villa Massarosa 10 beds pool
Beautiful and spacious villa in the countryside located in the hills of Versilia, 3 km from the golden beaches of the Tuscan coast with private pool and park.
Availability request
Perfect solution to stay in the green hills of Tuscany, 3 km from the golden beaches of Versilia -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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41 km from Livorno
Villa Lido di Camaiore 9 beds pool
Detached villa with pool and annex in Lido di Camaiore in the heart of Versilia. The beaches of Lido di Camaiore are just 1.5 km away.
Availability request
Ideal solution to stay in a villa in Lido di Camaiore. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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42 km from Livorno
Restored Farmhouse Camaiore 9 beds pool
Beautiful fully restored farmhouse located on the hills of Camaiore. The villa is surrounded by a park of 2500 square meters in which is inserted the beautiful pool.
Availability request
Thanks to the dominant position on the valley from the farmhouse you can enjoy a beautiful 360 ° panoramic view. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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42 km from Livorno
Villa Pieve di Camaiore 8 beds pool
Luxury and charming villa with swimming pool for rent surrounded by the green hills of Camaiore not far from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa is ideal for those looking for an oasis of absolute peace and relaxation guaranteed by the elevated position and the external fence in style. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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42 km from Livorno
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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42 km from Livorno
Villa Camaiore Hills 7 beds pool
Wonderful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery, tranquility and privacy of the Pieve di Camaiore about 10 km from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa has all the comforts necessary to ensure an unforgettable stay in Tuscany and is the ideal solution for small groups up to 7 people who want to stay in the countryside but not far from the sea of Versilia. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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42 km from Livorno
Villa Prato di Sopra Camaiore 10 beds pool
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking.
Availability request
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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43 km from Livorno
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Amazing villa in rustic Tuscan style located on the hills of Versilia with a large park with swimming pool.
Availability request
Thanks to its elevated position you can enjoy a fantastic view that sweeps up to the sea of Versilia. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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43 km from Livorno
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Villa located 3 km from the center of Camaiore in a quiet and sunny position 10 km from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal for those looking for a villa accommodation on the hills of Versilia a few miles from Tuscan sea. -
- Pietrasanta (Lucca)
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43 km from Livorno
Villa Marina di Pietrasanta 10 beds pool
Villa for rent in Marina di Pietrasanta surrounded by a large private park of 4000 square meters in which insists the large pool and the annex.
Availability request
Excellent solution to stay not far from the sea of Marina di Pietrasanta in a position of absolute privacy -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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44 km from Livorno
Farmhouse Camaiore 10 beds pool
Beautiful farmhouse in typical Tuscan style, carefully restored, set in the green hills of Tuscany, surrounded by olive trees and a large garden where the beautiful swimming pool is located.
Availability request
The ideal solution to spend your holidays in the green Tuscan hills in a location of absolute privacy and relaxation. The sea of the Tuscan coast is about 10 km away. Inside the villa there is a small spa.
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