Livorno is the birthplace of Modigliani, the second largest city in Tuscany and the quintessence of everything that is included in the concept of "major seaport". Heavily destroyed after the bombings of World War II, the city was rebuilt with a touch of the very romance that so touches the hearts of sea captains. For the rest, this marine aesthetics can get pretty fed up with the second day of your stay in the city.
How to get there
ATL buses leave from Largo Duomo to Cecina (5-8 EUR, journey 45 minutes, departure every half an hour), Piombino (9-15 EUR, 2 hours 15 minutes journey, 6 buses per day) and Pisa (15 EUR, 40 minutes, departure every half an hour).
In addition, Livorno can be reached by train, the city stands on the line Rome - La Spezia and is connected by railway to Florence and Pisa. Rome can be reached for 30-50 EUR, travel time 2 hours 28 minutes, 12 trains per day. There are 16 trains a day to Florence, the journey takes 1 hour 17 minutes, the fare is 6-10 EUR. Well, the train will reach Pisa from Livorno in just 15 minutes and 2.60 EUR. Prices on the page are for December 2019.
Popular hotels in Livorno
By sea
Livorno is a major port that regularly receives and sends ferries to Sardinia and Corsica from Calata Carrara, next to the Stazione Marittima railway station. Some ferries leave from Porto Mediceo, a small terminal near Piazza dell'Arsenale, while others leave from Porto Nuovo, which is 3 km north of the city along Via Sant'Orlando.
Corsica Ferries organizes flights to Bastia in Corsica (75-90 EUR, 4 hours, 2-3 times a week in winter, every day in summer) and to Sardinia (at Golfo Aranci, near Olbia, 30-350 EUR, express goes 6 hours, simple ferry - 8 hours, 4 flights a week, in summer - every day).
Moby is engaged in sending ships to Bastia (27-50 EUR, 3-4 hours) and all to the same Olbia (36-50 EUR, 8-10 hours). Toremar ships run every day between Livorno and Isola di Capraia (12-35 EUR, 2.5 hours).
Shuttle buses No. 1 of the ATL company bring passengers from the main railway station to the port of Porto Mediceo, the fare is from 3 EUR. To get to Stazione Marittima, you need to take bus number 7 or electric bus PB1, PB2 or PB3. They all pass by Piazza Grande.
Restaurants
Livorno, located on the coast of Tuscany, can offer nothing but an amazing mix of Tuscan cuisine with the culinary traditions of the locals, mainly mixed with seafood and underwater reptiles. You should try this fusion at the Cantina Senese restaurant at Borgo dei Cappuccini 95. Known for its seafood cuisine, this popular but not pretentious place is most often visited by the Livoronians themselves. Move deeper behind one of the restaurant's long wooden tables and, if you're here on a Friday, try the cacciucco di pesce served here with garlic bread.
Enoteca D.O.C. Parole e Cibi changes its menu daily, traditionally offering fresh pasta, carpaccio, sea creatures and amazing bread. The wines here are at the highest level, it is not for nothing that the restaurant bears the proud name of enoteca (from the Greek “wine storage”). Address: Via Goldoni 40-44 City Center.
Osteria La Barrocciaia at Piazza Cavallotti 13 is Livorno's best-kept culinary secret. They offer large takeaway sandwiches for 5-7 EUR, but if you are lucky and there is a free table, immediately take it. The cost of main dishes - from 20-25 EUR.
Ristorante Lavilla offers haute cuisine with an excellent selection of wines. You can get to this place by bus number 3, which leaves from Piazza Grande every hour. Address: Via Curiel 110 SE, Villa Morazzana.
The central market of Livorno or, as it sounds much more romantic in Italian - Mercato Central, is able to plunge any self-respecting gourmet into nirvana. Here every morning, from Monday to Saturday, from 6 am until lunch, you can find a truly cornucopia - from marine reptiles that are so fresh that they don’t even understand where they got to, ending with local products, vegetables, fruits, pasta, olive oil - the freshest, fragrant and inexpensive.
Weather in Livorno
Attractions and attractions in Livorno
The symbol of Livorno is an ancient fortress of ancient times, which has survived to this day approximately in the form that it acquired in the 16th century from the Florentine Antonio da Sangallo. With her, however, the square and round towers built in 1103 and 1241, as well as the amazing Pisan quadrature - the citadel, built by Puccio di Landicchio and Francesco di Giovanni, still breathe history.
Maps of Livorno
The new fortress, which, despite its name, has already celebrated 5 centuries of its existence, was built at the end of the 16th century. Since the 17th century, the picturesque New Venice quarter began to grow around it - the very place that is so dear to the heart of the captains. It is these numerous canals with cozy houses of traditional Livorne architecture that are most often depicted on postcards with views of the city.Another symbol of the city is the 16th century Cathedral of St. Francis, designed by Alessandro Pieroni. A cult building notable for its beauty is the baroque church of St. Ferdinando (1707-1716) designed by Giovanni Battista Fogini. Finally, you should definitely uncover your cameras at the Four Moors monument. On the pedestal is a statue of Ferdinando I de' Medici (1595), at the bottom - four bronze figures of pirates tied with a chain.
- Where to stay: with sightseeing purposes it is most convenient - in Florence or Siena. To combine a holiday by the sea with a tour of the “Tuscan riches”, you can choose the prestigious Viareggio, the family Follonica, the green
Livorno- a port city in Tuscany, on the Ligurian coast. This is one of the most important ports in Italy.
The origin of Livorno is lost in legend and mythology.
In 904, the name "Livorno" was used in connection with a cluster of houses in a bay on the Ligurian coast, a few kilometers from the mouth of the Arno and Pisa.
Later, the city became part of the Pisan Republic. After the decline of the republic, Livorno was first sold to the Visconti family from Milan, then in 1407 to Genoa, then in 1421 to Florence.
The rapid development of Livorno began in the second half of the 16th century, when the Medici were in power. The Medici began to develop the port system, including Livorno.
At the same time, Bernardo Buontalenti proposed a new project for a fortified city - with a moat and a fortress.
In 1590-1630. Livonian laws were issued, among which freedom of religion and political freedom for everyone, including Jews, who lived freely in Livorno, and were not closed in a ghetto.
Thanks to these laws, Livorno became the most popular port on the Apennine Peninsula among sailors of different faiths.
In the 18th century, the Medici dynasty was replaced by the Loren family, during which the suburbs of Livorno began to develop and the importance of the fortified city decreased.
At the end of the 18th century, during the Russian-Turkish wars, the Russian fleet under the command of Count Alexei Orlov stood in Livorno. And from here the favorite of Catherine II abducted Princess Tarakanova. Many tombstones with Russian surnames have been preserved in the Orthodox cemetery.
In the 19th century, the city was besieged by the French, Spanish and British.
After the restoration of the monarchy, the Loren family returned to power, headed by Ferdinand III and then Leopold II. At this time, an aqueduct, many palaces and squares were being built.
Of all the Tuscan cities, Livorno is the most modern, during the bombing of the Second World War, he suffered a lot, however, the city has preserved historical buildings and places of interest.
old fortress- one of the symbols of Livorno, was founded during the time of the Roman settlement, but acquired a modern look in the 16th century, thanks to the Florentine Antonio da Sangallo. Sangalo started building the fortress in 1521 and finished in 1534 under Alesandro de' Medici. The historical value of the Old Fortress also lies in the fact that there are more ancient buildings in it. For example, the square tower of 1103, the round tower of 1241 - made of two cylinders, a spiral stone staircase connected to each other and the Pisan square - a square citadel built by Puccio di Landicchio and Francesco di Giovanni, located along the perimeter.
When Cosimo de' Medici began his project of building a port in Livorno, a palace was built inside the fortress.
Previously, the fortress was surrounded on all sides by the sea. People and horses got into the fortress by ferry crossing.
Monument "Four Moors" is one of the symbols of the city. It is next to the port and the Old Fortress. On the pedestal is a statue of Ferdinando I de' Medici (by Giovanni Bandini, 1595), and at the bottom are four bronze statues (by Pietro Tacca, 1623-1626) symbolizing chained pirates.
Not far from the Old Fortress is the New.
New fortress was built according to the design of Bernardo Buontalenti and Giovanni de Medici, at the end of the 16th century. As a result, the nearby New Venice quarter grew, and the fortress was reduced. Now there is a park in the fortress, abandoned remains of the fortress and dozens of cats.
Quarter "New Venice". This quarter best characterizes Livorno. Numerous canals, houses of Livorne architecture, all this was laid in the first decade of the 17th century.
Quarter "New Venice" and the New Fortress overlook the central square of Livorno - Republic Square (piazza della Repubblica).
The spacious square appeared in 1840, it is decorated with two huge statues of the Grand Dukes Ferdinand III and Leopold II.
From Republic Square begins Via Grande lined with shops and cafes.
The street crosses the square of the same name - piazza Grande on which is Cathedral dedicated to Saint Francis.
Its construction began in the 16th century according to the design of Alessandro Pieroni. Later, two side chapels were added. The ceiling attracted attention, which, unfortunately, was almost completely lost in the Second World War.
Livorno is one of the youngest, but special cities in Italy. It is located in a picturesque bay along the Tuscany embankment and is washed by the Ligurian Sea.
The Livorno Hills surround the city and provide it with an advantageous location for attracting tourists.
Livorno on the map of Italy is located in the east of the Ligurian coast.
Livorno on the map of Italy
This is a major port, administrative, industrial and cultural center, which is famous for its extraordinary number of attractions and activities.
Based on the results of the work of archaeologists, it is believed that the settlement of the modern territory of Tuscany took place during the Neolithic. In the 10th century, the Via Aurelius was built between Rome and Gaul. To protect it, a guard tower was built, which was located in the bay. After some time, a small village is formed here.
The name Livorno is mentioned in the documentation of 1017. Presumably, this name comes from the word Liburna, which means “fast ship”.
The construction of the port began at the end of the 13th century, after the harbor of Pisa flooded, as a result of which the passage of ships became more difficult there.
The construction of a lighthouse in 1303 and a fortress in 1377 marked the beginning of the life of the new port city of Livorno.
The development of the city during the reign of the Duke of Florence is gaining momentum. Fortifications are being erected and a canal is being built to connect with the city of Pisa.
Early 18th century is the time of prosperity and enrichment of the port. But the end of the century is characterized by some regression due to the capture of Tuscany by Napoleon.
The port was heavily damaged during the Second World War. A huge part of the historical monuments was destroyed during the bombing. Over time, some of them have been restored.
Attractions
Guests of Livorno should definitely see the main attractions:
You can take a virtual walk around the city by watching the video:
beach holiday
The cargo port of Livorno occupies a significant part of the water area, so the beaches in the central part of the city are not very spacious and not very suitable for tourists.
You will not find sun loungers and other beach accessories here.
The northern part of Livorno, where the white sand beach stretches for a long distance to the village of Marina di Pisa, is the right place to sunbathe.
Free beaches in Italy are less common than good roads in Russia.
The beach in the Antignano area is perfect for relaxing. But it should be noted that the terrain here is rocky. For recreation with children and diving, this place is hardly suitable.
An excellent option for a family pastime is the sandy beach of Cecina Mare. This beach is paid. Closer to the pine forest are free places to relax.
In the bay between Livorno and Piombino, there is another beach, Marina di Bibbona, where you can do various types of water sports and relax in a nearby restaurant, there are enough of them on the promenade.
The beach season in Livorno starts in June and ends in October. During this period of time, the average water temperature is 23-25 degrees.
shopping
The city center of Livorno is the place where shopping lovers should definitely go, because all kinds of shops and markets are concentrated there. The most suitable shopping streets are Magenta Street and Ricasoli Street. Antiques and luxury clothing can be purchased in the shops on the ancient Bora street.
The assortment is usual for Italian cities - branded clothing, accessories, appliances, jewelry.
In the central square of Delle Erbe there is an open vegetable market. Nearby is the Central Market, where a huge variety of different products are presented.
Holidays and festivals
In addition to sightseeing, beach holidays and shopping, Livorno offers tourists a lot of spectacular activities. The entertainment program of the city is filled with many festivals and cultural events.
Kitchen
Local cuisine is an abundance of all kinds of fish and seafood. Cacciuco specialty fish soup, Livorno-style mullet and stuffed squids are the culinary calling card of the city of Livorno.
These dishes can be found in any restaurant in the city.
They eat absolutely any fish and seafood - cod, sardine, shellfish, crustaceans, and even sharks.
Cacciucco is a traditional Italian fish soup. Like all soups from this Tuscan region, it is very thick.
Livorno's signature desserts are custard and anise donuts.
There is also a custom on some religious holidays to eat certain foods.
For example, chestnuts are baked for the feast of St. Catherine and St. Nicholas, and rice pancakes are prepared for St. Joseph's Day.
How to get there
Airplane.
The nearest airports to Livorno are in Rome, Pisa, Florence. You can get from Rome or Florence to Livorno by train. An intercity bus runs from Pisa to the port.
A train.
- By rail, Livorno can be reached from Rome (Roma Termini station) within 3-4 hours;
- From the Firenze S. M. Novella station in Florence, the train will take you 1.5 hours;
- The train will cover the distance between Pisa and Livorno in 15 minutes.
Bus.
- Travel time from Florence to Livorno will be from 3.5 to 4 hours;
- From Pisa train station, you can easily reach the city within an hour;
- There is no bus service between Rome and Livorno.
Automobile.
When leaving Florence by car, you need to use the Florence-Pisa-Livorno motorway. Following the A12 Rome-Civitavecchia highway and the SS-1/E80 motorway, you are guaranteed to reach the port of Livorno.
Local landscapes fascinate travelers
Ferry. In Livorno, you can try out such a means of transportation as a ferry. The cost of ferry tickets depends on the date of your trip - the earlier you book, the more profitable.
The ferry from Livorno to Sardinia operates daily routes during the summer. Travel time 6 hours 30 minutes.
The ferry from Livorno to Corsica takes about 4 hours. Also in Livorno there are ferry crossings to Sicily, to Spain, Morocco.
Hotels
On the territory of Livorno there are about 38 hotels and hotels. Starting from budget 2-stars and ending with luxurious 5-stars.
Livorno is not the most ancient place in Italy, but it is quite a beautiful and hospitable town that puts at the disposal of any guest its snow-white beaches, medieval sights, the incredible atmosphere of festivals and the miraculous breath of the sea!
The sandy beaches of the resort of Cecina Mare (Marina di Cecina) are located in the Italian province of Livorno (Tuscany region). Most of the beaches here are paid, the free ones are located a little to the south and stretch along the pine forest.
The first beach in Cecina Mare was opened in 1984. Now there are a lot of them here. Both paid and free beaches are very convenient, located in picturesque places, especially those that lie near a pine forest that protects the coast from sea winds. Almost all beaches are long and wide, paid fully equipped.
This place is considered one of the best for family vacations. Tourists like to go here for picnics in a pine forest, located very close to the sea.
Coordinates: 43.30368700,10.48441700
The beaches of Castiglioncello and Vada di Rosignano Marittimo
The beaches of Castiglioncello and Vada di Rosignano Maritimo annually receive the international Blue Flag Award for cleanliness. The beaches here are not sandy, but rocky, but always perfectly clean and well-equipped. They are popular with both tourists and locals.
Along the beaches there are pedestrian promenades, where there are many shops and small restaurants with traditional cuisine. The rocky area is very picturesque, right from the beach you can admire the cliffs. The sea is also very clean here. Due to the rocky coast, these beaches are not very suitable for families with very young children, and special shoes are required here.
Coordinates: 43.40200400,10.41000600
Marina di Pisa beach
Marina di Pisa beach is located 11 kilometers from the city center. It can be quickly reached via the Viale D'Annunzio, which runs along the left bank of the Arno River.
The beach is divided into two parts: in one you can spend a quiet, relaxing holiday with children, and in the second part, modern life does not stop even at night. Modern discos, bars, restaurants will help you have fun.
The southern part of the beach is well equipped and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Along the Arno there are numerous moorings for mooring private motor and sailing boats and their service centres.
Coordinates: 43.67631500,10.27118700
Marina di Bibbona beach
The beach of Marina di Bibbona is located in a picturesque bay between Livorno and Piombino and is ideal for a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature.
The beach was awarded the "Blue Flag", which indicates the excellent quality of the coastal area. The wide sandy beach is surrounded by pine groves. Picturesque views of the surrounding area give rise to a sense of calm and serenity.
The beach offers water sports, tennis courts and a mini golf course. Among the many restaurants, cafes and bars, you will find exactly your place, which you will want to return to again and again.
For lovers of dancing, there are two discos near the beach.
Coordinates: 43.24238900,10.52531900
Antignano beach
The coast of the Antignano Cuercianella beach is rocky, with cliffs. However, this does not prevent you from having a great day at sea. It is enough to bring rubber bathing shoes with you (you can often buy on the beach) and find a suitable stone where you can place a towel and sunbathe.
The beach, however, is not suitable for those who appreciate the sandy coast, like to swim and do water sports. The main attraction of Antignano Cuercianella is precisely the rocky landscape.
The beach is equipped with a promenade (pedestrian promenade along the sea) with bars, restaurants and shops where you can buy any beach accessories. In bars and restaurants you can have a snack or a full dinner.
Coordinates: 43.49870600,10.32110600
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