Under Piazza della RepubblicaOne of the best and most relaxing ways to see Livorno and to understand the layout of the city is to take a boat trip along the canals, or fossi, as they are called by the locals.

The tour, with commentary, offers an interesting perspective of the city and takes you round the Fosso Reale ('royal canal'), past the Fortezza Nuova ('new fortress') and right under the Piazza della Repubblica, previously called 'Il Voltone' or the 'big bridge' which is effectively what it is.

The Synagogue of LivornoThere has been a considerable Jewish community in Livorno since the 17th century and at one time it represented 10% of the population. At a time when the persecution of Jews was taking place elsewhere, Livorno represented a haven where people of the Jewish faith could practice their religion freely, build their own synagogue, buy property and, most unusually, did not have to live in a ghetto. All this because of Ferdinando I de’ Medici’s invitation to Jews to come and settle in Livorno where he realised they could be beneficial to the development of this newly established town. The conditions he offered proved attractive: in 1601 there were 114 Jews living in Livorno and by 1689 there were 3000.

View along the Canals of the Old Venezia DistrictAway from the shops and the busy streets of the town centre, the Venezia district offers a glimpse of historic Livorno as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries, when the port was developing as one of the most important in the Mediterranean and the new city was inhabited by many foreign communities who set up business here. The area is quiet during the daytime, coming alive in the evenings when the many bars and restaurants open for business. Livorno’s Venezia district is also the stage for the important annual Effetto Venezia festival that begins at the end of July.

From the Orlando Shipyard to the Naval Academy.
Palm trees on Viale Italia, LivornoIf the weather is favourable and you feel like heading out of town, a walk along the seafront of Livorno is well worth the effort. There are numerous points of interest along the coast road that starts just past the old Orlando shipyards, south of the city. For most of the way there is also a cycle path so you could even use peddle power!

the Sanctuary of MonteneroAbout five miles to the south of the city of Livorno lies the hillside village of Montenero and the sanctuary that attracts countless visitors throughout the year.

It is well worth visiting for the views over the city and theView from Montenero over the city of Livorno coastline, and for the interesting sanctuary which grew up around the sacred image of the Madonna di Montenero, brought here by a shepherd in the 14th century. The present building dates from the 18th century.

The Church of San Jacopo, Livorno: one of Livorno's most interesting churchesA relaxing but rewarding way to spend a day in Livorno is to pay a visit to the city’s public art gallery, officially called the Museo Civico G. Fattori after Giovanni Fattori, the Livornese artist born in 1825, many of whose works are on display here. The gallery is situated in a lovely park , Villa Mimbelli.