The Fortezza Vecchia

The Fortezza Vecchia from the Port sideThe Fortezza Vecchia, which dominates the old Mediceo port, is both a historical symbol of Livorno and an important cultural hub where many concerts , exhibitions and events of various kinds are held through the year.

The building can also be visited during the daytime, when it is quiet and all you can hear are the noises from the port, and the seagulls.

You can climb right up to the top of the Matilde tower, the oldest part of the fortress, from where there are great views over the port on one side and the town on the other.

When the Medici rulers of Florence became interested in making Livorno their port, they commissioned Antonio and Giuliano Sangallo to redesign the nucleus of the original fortress, which was completed in 1534.

The original structure is much older, however: the Mastio di Matilde tower dates The Mastio di Matilde in the Fortezza Vecchiaback to the 11th century, constructed by the Dukes of Tuscany to guard the docks in 1077. The Quadratura dei Pisani  - the crenellated  interior area, was added in the 14th century by the Pisan Doge, Gambacorti.

The Medici ruler Cosimo I had a palace known as the Canaviglia built for his own residence in 1544 on the western side of the fortress, dominating the old port, while the little church of San Francesco was built in 1530.

Inside the Fortress there  is a restaurant, a bar, a wine bar, a  permanent exhibition of coral, and Anna Laura Bachini’s graphic designs.

Entrance during the day is free of charge.

To see more images of Livorno's old fortress, the Fortezza Vecchia, click here.