Historic Churches

Chiesa degli Olandesi - Dutch Church

Dutch Church on Scali degli Olandesi: Photo by Giacomo, www.Livornodailyphoto.blogspot.comThis rare example of neo-Gothic architecture in Livorno bears witness to the multi-cultural climate that marked the city's history. The Dutch Church - Chiesa della Congregazione Olandese Alemanna (designed by Dario Giacomelli and built between1862-64), lying on the Scali degli Olandesi between Piazza Cavour and Piazza della Repubblica, is in a disastrous state and cannot be accessed.

The Cathedral of Livorno

The Cathedral, or Duomo of Livorno: in Piazza Grande, LivornoLivorno’s original cathedral (or Duomo), in Piazza Grande, was designed by Alessandro Pieroni and built by Cantagallina. It was completed in 1606, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. Sadly, the original building was completely destroyed by bombings in 1943. The modern-day reconstruction was completed in 1952 and is a reproduction of the original. The interior contains some interesting early 17th-century paintings by a number of well-known Tuscan artists: the Triumph of Saint Giulia by Jacopo Ligozzi; the Assumption of the Virgin by Domenico Cresti da Passignano, and Saint Francis of Assisi by Jacopo Chimenti da Empoli.

Church of Saint Andrew (Waldensian Church)

Church of Saint Andrew, now belonging to the Waldensian churchOriginally dedicated to Saint Andrew by the Scottish Presbyterian community living in Livorno in the 19th century, the church now belongs to the Italian Waldensian church (Valdese in Italian), a Methodist related Protestant church. The building dates from the mid-19th century and was only allowed by the Italian Catholic church on the condition that it did not look like a church - hence its rather unusual appearance. It was designed by the Scottish architect, Rumball, and reflects the neo-Gothic taste that was fashionable at the time in Scotland.

Church of Saint George

Neo-Classical façade of the Anglican Church of St GeorgeThe Church of Saint George was built in the mid-19th century for the Anglican community living in Livorno at that time. It was designed by local architect Angiolo Della Valle in the neo-Classical style. Today it belongs to the Misericordia of Livorno and is mainly used for funerals.

Church of San Benedetto

Church of San Benedetto, Piazza XX Settembre, LivornoThe Church of San Benedetto stands at one end of Piazza XX Settembre, the square that until very recently (August 2009) was the site of Livorno's well-known American market. The square was formerly known as Piazza San Benedetto, like the church, and its creation was in direct relation to the building of the church in the early 19th century. The church was designed by Gaspero Pampaloni and built in the neo-Classical style in 1817-19. The facade features an Ionic portico of eight columns.

Church of San Ferdinando

Church of San FerdinandoJust across from Piazza Luogo Pio (now a large car park) in Piazza Anita Garibaldi is San Ferdinando, built for the Trinity Fathers who came to Livorno from France in 1653. The building was consacrated in 1717. The church displays a number of different architectural styles and contains some fine marble sculptures by Giovanni Baratta (1670-1747) (liberated slaves). It is sometimes used as a venue for concerts of classical music and choirs.
Piazza Anita Garibaldi 1, tel. +(39) 0586 888541
Mass: weekdays 5.30pm (winter) 6pm (summer); Saturdays and days before holidays 6pm; Sundays 9.30am and 11am.

Church of San Gregorio Illuminatore (Armenian Church)

Façade of the old Armenian ChurchVia della Madonna. The Armenian community was already quite numerous in the early 17th century and became well-integrated with the local community. The facade of their church is the most tangible remaining testimony of their presence in the city, while the actual church is no longer in use.

Church of San Jacopo in Acquaviva

Church of San JacopoThe Church of San Jacopo in Acquaviva stands exposed to the wind and the sea, next to the entrance to the Naval Academy. The church we see today dates from the 19th century but its origins go back to the 12th century.

The church's location right next to the sea meant that it used to be a stopping place for pilgrims on their way to Santiago di Compostela. In its long history it has hosted two popes, and for a while in the 16th century it was given to the Greek United church while the community awaited their own church in Via della Madonna.

Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo

Church of Sant'Andrea ApostoloThe Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo stands opposite the Piazza del Cisternone, opposite the huge neo-Doric facade of the Cisternone, the old water cistern which used to supply the city's water.

The church was built in 1837 by order of Leopoldo II, at the time when the nearby seminary was constructed. An earlier and smaller church dedicated to Sant'Andrea had been built near here, on the edge of a cemetery, in the early 19th century following an epidemic of yellow fever in Livorno.

Church of Santa Caterina

Church of Santa CaterinaDedicated to Saint Catherine, but also know as the church of the Domenicani after the Domenican friars who founded it, this uncompleted church stands in Piazza dei Domenicani in the Venezia district of Livorno. It was founded in 1720 and inaugurated in 1755. It was designed by Giovanni del Fantasia who had to abandon the work in order to supervise the building of the Chapel dedicated to the Madonna in the Sanctuary of Montenero. Its octagonal design is unusual, and the recently-restored interior with its seven large chapels is well worth a look.