The 20 things to do in Livorno

In the heart of Tuscany, discover the must-see in Livorno!

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Livorno offers picturesque landscapes of all beauty. By visiting this city of Tuscany, you will discover the richness of its History. Founded at the beginning of the 11th century, Livorno became one of the main ports of Italy From the Renaissance.

At that time, Greek, Jewish, or Dutch merchants came to settle in this city by the sea. Today, this multicultural influence is felt both in the language and in religion and in the kitchen. If you want to visit Livorno, discover our list of uncontournable to be sure not to miss anything.

1. The forts

It is impossible to visit Livorno without making a tour by the two forts of the city.

New strong

Dating from the 16th century, the new fort was built to strengthen the fortification of the city. This imposing structure is encircled by the canal that ensured the protection of Livorno.

During your visit to Tuscany, walk on the still intact ramparts, to admire the landscape on the canal and the historic centre. Walk between the different passages of the fort to land in a charming garden in the heart of the castle.

Old fort

Designed for the Medici family in the early 11th century, this building is the symbol of the centuries of power of Livorno. Again, a walk in this fortress will allow you to admire the city and its port. Inside the fort, you will learn more about the history of the family and the city. For a relaxing moment, walk in the park where the church of San Francisco is located.

2. The place of the republic

Larger place of Livorno, Piazza della Repubblica is located close to the new fort. At each end of this oval-shaped square, two marble statues stand. All around, a variety of buildings offers Piazza della Repubblica a diversity of colours and styles.

These buildings welcome galleries to let you discover local artists or restaurants to regain strength during your visit to Livorno.

3. The four Maures

Uncontournable in Livorno, the statue of the four Maures is the symbol of the Italian city. Composed of marble and bronze, this monument, dating from the 17th century, honors the Duc Ferdinand de Medici. At the time, pirates and Ottoman invaded the Mediterranean Sea to take over port cities. To prevent them, the Duke founded the Order of the Knights of Santo Stefano.

It is in tribute to his victory that a statue to his effigy was built. This one is surrounded by the four Maures who steal the star today. Moreover, according to legend, see the four noses of the Moors bear luck. If you want to test this belief, install on a white tiles to see the four nose at the same time.

4. Terrazza Mazcagni

To visit Livorno and admire the splendor of the coast, visit the Terrazza Mascagni. People and tourists, everyone goes on this walk for a breathtaking view of the sea. It is a paved alley of black and white stones that extends over half a kilometre.

Between shaded areas by trees and historical monuments that border the bay, Terrazza Mascagni is the ideal place for a night walk. And if you have your camera with you, wait for the sunset to capture magical moments.

5. A boat rental

What to do to Livorno in the middle of the sea? Why not rent a boat in the largest port of Tuscany. The city offers a wide variety of boats to satisfy all budgets. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend trip, don’t hesitate to discover the surroundings of Livorno by leaving you from the farmland.

From the water you will see that the city is not only a series of monuments and a port. A little further, nature is omnipresent; an exceptional landscape stands before you, between sea, land, city and forest.

6. Pertini Park

What to visit in Livorno to take a bowl of fresh air? Besides the beach, Livorno also has green spaces for a reconnect with nature. If you want to avoid crowds of tourists, don’t hesitate to go to Pertini Park. This is the first park designed as a public garden.

At the time, he was most welcome to the bourgeoisie of the city. Still today, it is perfectly neat and always as elegant.

7. La route Viale Italia

Between the port and the park Bartolini, stands Viale Italia. By car or by foot, this road offers you the best views of the city to admire the sea and its coastal landscapes on one side, and the historical monuments on the other. Along the road you will pass in front of the unmissable Terrazza Mascagni. So don’t hesitate to stop you for a few moments.

8. Pancaldi Acquaviva

Although located by the sea, Livorno offers its inhabitants and visitors little sandy beaches. The Pancaldi Acquaviva was created in 1924.

It is a seaside establishment that gathers many facilities so that the inhabitants can enjoy the freshness of the water from the arrival of the beautiful days. You will find sun loungers, parasols, toilets, showers, snack bar, etc.

9. Central Market

If you want to visit Livorno and discover the purely local culture, it is in the direction of the central market that you must surrender. It is here that the inhabitants of Livorno go to make the full of local products and to tell the last snails.

The market offers two spaces:

• Inside, you will find all food products. This is an excellent opportunity to taste local specialties;
• Outside, merchants offer various accessories, clothing and other souvenirs of the region.

Between the colors that mix and the exquisite odors that invade the place, all your senses will be awake.

10. Comeia Nuovo

Come and visit Livorno and its old neighborhood nicknamed “Vetite Venice” or “Venezia Nuovo”. Located north of Place de la République, this district consists of a set of islands separated by canals. You can walk between the islets through the bridges that give all its charm to this picturesque neighborhood.

From here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city on the Fortezza Nuova. Since the canals are navigable, it is also possible to discover the small Venice of Livorno by boat. Today, Venezia Nuovo has become the city’s economic centre and host many foreign consulates.

11. Aquarium

Want to discover Livorno and its maritime life? Direction the Diacinto Cestonise Municipal Aquarium. With a surface of 87,500 m2, it is the largest aquarium in Tuscany. Inside, you can observe many marine mammals, but above all a submarine archaeological area dating from the Greco-Roman era.

This site, which makes the pride of Livorno, welcomes Taranto sarcophagi and a ship wreck. The aquarium will allow you to learn more about the Tuscan archipelago and the Pelagos Sanctuary.

12. Cisternino

Livorno is above all a port city. This is noticeable from the arrival to the port, but also through the buildings, especially the Cisternino de Livorno. It consists of three neoclassical-style buildings, built between 1829 and 1848, serving as a water purification plant and tanks.

These large tanks allowed the population to have fresh water in the 19th and 20th centuries. Much more than utilitarian monuments, they also represent a new vision of architecture. The assignment of these tanks is masked by an elegant façade in the form of a palace.

13. Aqueduc Leopoldino

With Cisternino, the Leopoldino aqueduct was designed to provide water to the city and clean it. The construction began in 1793, and the building proved itself from 1816. Livorno was thus fed with water thanks to this aqueduct.

At that time, it was the only way to provide water to the inhabitants until 1912. Still today, some neighbourhoods are receiving their supply from this aqueduct. With a length of 18 kilometers, this monument crosses the hills of the city.

14. The civic museo

Inaugurated in 1994, the Civic Museum is located in Villa Mimbelli. Before you enter the building, walk through the beautiful gardens around the museum. Inside, you will discover an impressive collection of art objects and works, including paintings by Giovani Fattori and the Macchialiolo movement.

15. Local specialties

Visiting Livorno and its monuments allows you to discover the history of the city, but if you want to immerse yourself in local culture, there is nothing better than taste the specialties of Tuscany. Among the best known, there is the Cacciucco. This is a fish soup mixing different types of seafood with a zest of tomato.

Accompany your meal with a glass of red wine from Colle Salvetti, the best wine from Livorno. And finally, take a good coffee, Ponce Livornese. It will wake you since it contains rum, cognac, anise liqueur and lemon.

16. The Church of San Fernando

If you wish to visit Livorno and its most beautiful religious monuments, you will not be able to miss the Chiesa di San Ferdinando. The façade of the church presents a fairly simple design, but its interior is a perfect example of baroque architecture.

Within the central basilica, you can admire the works of art that occupy space. All around, the columns and arches are cleverly designed with their stucco ornament. And the marble floor is equally elegant with its many inlaid motifs.

17. The port

Livorno has one of the largest ports in Italy. You can therefore not visit Livorno without discovering its harbour area. Still in motion, the port extends from the aquarium to the Arno River. Walking on the harbour, you will see life in a boil every moment. Between commercial and leisure cruises, activity never stops.

18. A spa in Livorno

Visiting Livorno can sometimes be intense as the city is full of things to see and do. If you want a relaxing moment, why not relax in a spa. For this, the ideal is to go to a spa resort in Venturina.

Here, thermal waters come from natural sources, to help you evacuate all forms of stress. Many spas in the region date from the Roman era and combine traditional and modern practices.

19. The Cathedral of San Francisco

Another religious monument in Livorno, the Cathedral of San Francisco. Located in Piazza Grande, the building was founded by the Medici family in the 16th century. With the bombings of the Second World War, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed. There was only the wall on the right side and the baptismal chapel.

Overall, the monument found its original appearance and some elements were added to it, including a fountain, a large exedre and very elegant arched porticos.

20. The Museum of Natural Sciences

On a family holiday in Livorno, visit the Natural Sciences Museum. You will see replicas of different prehistoric creatures, skeletons, dioramas, etc. This very interactive and playful museum aims to teach the smallest and the greatest our most distant history through science.

How to get to Livorno?

There are several possibilities to visit Livorno:

• By plane: the nearest airport to Livorno is Pisa. Then you have several buses that transfer between the two cities. Do not hesitate to compare flights on Skyscanner to obtain better prices;
• By train: Livorno train station is very well served. Generally, you will have a correspondence to Turin between France and Italy;
• By bus: Livorno is also easily accessible by bus for small budgets;
• By car: since Paristhe journey by car to Livorno is about 11 hours;
• By boat: Livorno welcoming a very large port, it is easy to reach it from another port city of the Mediterranean.

Where to sleep in Livorno?

Livorno being one of the largest Italian cities, the choices of accommodation are infinite. However, most accommodations are located in the charming streets of the old town. You will find your happiness for sure!

Apartment in Airbnb , hotel, hostel or camping, you will find accommodation that will satisfy all your requirements and your wallet. And to help you in your research, hotel comparisons offer a wide range of accommodations.