Livorno (Livorno) - the center of the province in the Tuscany region, located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea; port and industrial center of Italy. Tourism is not the main field of activity of its residents; a business, working atmosphere reigns here. Recently, the city began to restore its sights, thoroughly destroyed by the war, and it becomes interesting to visit.
Sights
Mascagni Terrace
The "musical" terrace of Mascagni (Terrazza Mascagni), is associated with the name of the composer Petro Mascagni, who ran along it in childhood and listened to the music of the sea. Today it is a super equipped area for pleasant walks: like on the parquet you can easily glide along the embankment laid out in a checkerboard pattern. Elegant railings separate the vagaries of the turbulent sea. Round lanterns, a fancifully shaped platform, a snow-white stone gazebo - everything creates a romantic mood.
No wonder the newlyweds leave locks of their hearts here on poles for lanterns, and throw the keys into the sea as a sign of loyalty to their chosen one. From the gazebo in the park on the Mascagna terrace, traditional rowing competitions among the inhabitants of the city begin. Teams from 16 districts organize races on gozzo - 10-row boats and on gozzette - four-row boats. Palio Marinaro takes place in Livorno on a hot July day, 2nd Sunday.
Mascagni's terrace starts from shipyards and stretches to the Aquarium. This is a small aquarium with 1200 specimens of marine animals. Huge turtles, sharks and stingrays are especially interesting. Parking for cars here costs 2 euros, admission is 13 euros.
Little Venice
“Little Venice”, “New Venice” (Venezia Nuova) - this is the name of this quarter in Livorno due to the abundance of canals and old houses with ruins of fortresses reminiscent of the reign of the Medici dynasty here in the 16th century.
Refined villas of prosperous baroque merchants decorate the area.
It is worth walking, slowly, along the living islet of the Middle Ages or sailing on a gondola along the serene surface of the canal, and the music of Italian serenades will sound in your soul. Little Venice connects the Old Fortress with the New, its address: Scali del Monte Pio.
Old fortress
A symbol of the impregnability of Livorno from the sea since the 11th century has been the Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia). Time destroyed it almost to the foundation, but the inhabitants decided to restore the monument of the former power of the city, its restoration has been going on for half a century already.
From the sea, the view of the fortress makes a strong impression, and from land it is available for free visits. Address: Livorno, Piazza Dei Marmi
Monument to the Four Moors
The fortifications of the Old Fortress served primarily to protect against pirates from the tyrants of the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Sea. The struggle of a wealthy trading city with them lasted until the 16th century. Thanks to the victories of the Master of the Knights of the Order of Ferdinand I of Medici, the city finally got rid of dangerous raids.
The snow-white figure of Ferdinand I, sculptured from Carrara marble, stands in Piazza San Michele, surrounded by four Moors - pirates bound in chains. Their figures, cast in bronze by Pietro Tacca, have greater artistic value than the marble silhouette of the winner himself. The sculptor created them from prison inmates; they characterize different nationalities and periods of human life.
New fortress
The new fortress (Fortezza Nuova), built under the rule of the Medici in the 16th century, was supposed to show aesthetic perfection and a taste for life: a stone star framed by canals and moats. Time did not spare this attraction either, the fortress was especially affected by the bombing of World War II.
Now the cheerful Italians have turned the old building into a charming leisure park.
Address: Livorno, Viale Degli Avvalorati, 4
Cathedral
The main temple of the city (Duomo di Livorno) is a monument of Renaissance architecture of the late 16th century, it was originally a rectangular basilica and was consecrated with the honor of the Virgin, saints Julia and Francis. The chapels attached to the temple in the 18th century gave the structure the shape of a Latin cross.
The exterior of the cathedral is of interest to the facade made of gray stone and elegant columns with semicircular arches.
Inside, woodcarving with gilding, made on the ceiling, attracts attention. The cathedral contains valuable relics telling about the life of St. Francis, St. Julia, plots "The Assumption of the Virgin" and the Face of Christ in a crown of thorns. Address: Livorno, Largo del Duomo
Church of St. Catherine
Church of St. Catherine of Siena (Chiesa di Santa Caterina) is located in the "Little Venice" and was first a Dominican monastery. From Napoleonic times until the end of the 20th century, a prison was located in it. Now it has been restored and is an active Catholic church.
Outside, the octagonal tower on the stone pedestal is not much like a church, but inside the entire space of the walls is painted with frescoes and decorated with the masterpiece of Giorgio Vasari "Coronation of the Virgin", there is an organ, the relics of St. Catherine are stored.
Beaches
The beaches of Livorno lie south of the famous Tuscan Riviera - Versilia, and the cost of rest on them is more affordable. Comfort, service and entertainment make it possible to have a good time here.
Weather
The earliest birds of a beach holiday begin to swim in the Ligurian Sea in May: the water temperature is + 20 ° C, in the summer it rises to 26-28 °, so even the most effeminate bathers will like the water in the sea.
The most debilitating heat is in August - the average temperature is about 30 °, at the end of August the heat subsides and the velvet season begins, which ends by October. Autumn is characterized by an abundance of rain. In September, prices for accommodation, use of beaches, etc. begin to fall.
City beaches
In the city itself there is not enough space for beaches: small equipped platforms for access to the water allow you to plunge, but they are not equipped for a comfortable stay. Due to the proximity of the port and constantly sailing ships, the water on the city beaches is not clear. However, a ten-kilometer strip of excellent sandy beaches stretches north of the city canal between Livorno and the village of Marina di Pisa. To the south of the city, sandy coasts are found in the suburbs of Ardenza and Antignano.
Castiglioncello
Castiglioncello (Castiglioncello) - a resort town near Livorno is located on a hill, immersed in greenery, filled with the scents of a pine park. The beach is small, paid. Picturesque rocky shores and huge boulders in the sea limit swimming opportunities.
5 km away is a free sandy beach. The resort is not very convenient for families with children. There are railway and bus connections with Livorno, Pisa, Florence. But it’s better to come here in your car.
Marina di Cecina
Marina di Cecina is a democratic resort south of Livorno, with an avenue of pine trees and pine groves in the surrounding area. Convenient marina, clear sea water, neat beaches and well-established tourist services made him the owner of the "Blue Flag of Quality".
To the south of the city stretches a strip of free beaches. Venturino has a thermal spa. Discos and concerts diversify the evening life. High-speed trains and bus services connect Marina di Cecina to all Tuscan cities.
San vincenzo
The resort is the owner of the Blue Flag, located among pine groves and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The cleanliness of air, water, sandy beaches, opportunities for walks in the Rimigliano nature reserve, for sports and evening entertainment - make San Vincenzo, the leader in the resort areas of Livorno. It is good to relax with children.
The average entrance to the beaches of the resorts of Livorno is 8-12 euros: it gives the right to a sunbed, umbrella, shower. The service on the beaches is very diverse: from rental equipment for diving, surfing and water skiing, to massage and a hot shower (you have to pay extra for it: 1 euro per minute).
Hotels
3 stars
Hotel atlantico
Hotel Atlantico is located in the spa town of Castiglioncello, 300 meters from the beach. It offers a private pool and massage baths. The hosts are very hospitable, friendly, trying to provide customers with all the amenities. The rooms are well furnished and comfortable. Located in the garden, the hotel has a restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine. To Livorno distance of about 10 km.
B&B
Dimora Storica Ai Casini D'ardenza
Dimora Storica Ai Casini D'ardenza is located in Livorno, on the coast, a 15-minute walk from the beach. The old building has all kinds of modern services: a TV and free internet access, a bathroom with a hydromassage. You can make coffee in the kitchen and enjoy a freshly baked cake. Hotel type B&B has all the conditions for a good rest.
Villa cassuto maison de charme
Hotel Cassuto Maison de Charme is located in the suburb of Livorno in Antignano. To the sandy beaches - 500-600 m. The rooms have heating and air conditioning, a bathroom; decorated in a classic style. Breakfast includes pastries and sweets. Bike rental is available. Walking distance to the train station.
How to get there
By train
Livorno is connected to all major cities of Italy by a railway network. The station is located closer to the outskirts of the city, the center will have to be reached by bus or taxi. Train timetables are available at www.trenitalia.com.
- See detailed instructions: how to get from Livorno to Florence
By car
Traveling by car is the best option to get to know the province of Livorno. You can rent a car on the website auto.italy4.me.
For travelers to Livorno from the North, you need to go onto the A12 highway. From the South, you can take the A1 motorway to the Firenze Nord exit, and then take the A11 motorway towards Pisa to the A12 motorway exit that leads to Livorno.
Taxi from Florence to the port of Livorno costs about 170 euros, you can book a transfer in advance at kiwitaxi.ru.
On a ferryboat
Ferries to Livorno sail from Palermo (Sicily), Golfo Aranci and Olbia (Sardinia), as well as Barcelona, Corsica, Morocco.
The current schedule of all ferries from Livorno can be found at www.directferries.ru
