If you’re planning a vacation to Livorno, Italy, here are some of the best places to visit. They’re a mix of must-see tourist spots and underrated local hangouts.
If you’re a fan of the Impressionist movement, make sure to check out the paintings of the Macchiaioli, a group of 19th century artists who had a deep connection to the Medicean port city. Their pastoral-inspired oils are housed in stately Villa Mimbelli.
1. Fortezza Nuova
Livorno’s enchanting medieval city center is home to several of Italy’s most beautiful and historic attractions. The most spectacular is Fortezza Nuova, built during the Renaissance by Bernardo Buontalenti, one of the great architects of the time.
A stroll through this enchanting site is an experience in itself, bringing you to a time when the town was a mighty center of power. The ancient walls are lined with several bastions, giving the city a truly magnificent appearance.
Moreover, this charming property is located within easy reach of many famous tourist spots: Viareggio, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Volterra and Assisi are all a short drive away.
If you’re not content with soaking up the sunshine, you can go for a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea or take a stroll through shady pine forests. A golf course and horse-back riding facilities are also available. The port of Livorno is just 15 minutes away by car, where you can take ferries to Sardinia and Sicily.
2. Villa Mimbelli
Built in the late 19th century, this elegant Renaissance villa oozes Italian style. Its interiors are a treasure trove of antique furnishings, carved details and painted frescoes.
The spacious living room, with its comfortable gorgeous sofa set and TV, is a lovely place to relax. There is also a dining area and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
It has 2 double bedrooms, each with their own bathroom en suite. The master bedroom has a TV and patio doors that lead to a terrace with spectacular sea views.
There is also a family bedroom with a queen-size bed and a single bed with trundle. The bedroom is air-conditioned and has its own en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The villa is a short walk from Livorno’s sandy beach and its fabulous marina. It is also a short drive to the beautiful Tuscan cities of Florence and Lucca.
3. Piazza della Repubblica
A popular tourist attraction, the Piazza della Repubblica is a large roundabout with a romantic fountain in the centre. Surrounded by a row of 19th-century porticos, the square also features a beautiful basilica.
If you are looking for a place to take a break during your vacation, Piazza della Repubblica might be the perfect spot. Here you can find a few cafes and restaurants that are popular among locals and tourists alike.
It is also the home of a famous column called Colonna della Dovizia (Column of Abundance), which dates back to 1431. On top of it is a grey sandstone statue of Dovizia, which was sculpted by Giovan Battista Foggini.
During the daytime, you can enjoy an espresso in one of the many cafes around the square. At night, the city lights illuminate the square and make it a magical sight to see.
4. Quattro Mori
Piazza Quattro Mori, also known as the Cathedral Square, is home to a number of important buildings and features. It is a wonderful place to sit in and relax, take in the beauty of the city and watch people pass by on their way to various attractions.
- The central part of the square has an elliptical canal that runs around two rings of statues. On the other side of the canal are a series of horse-drawn carriages that are used by locals to move about the city.
- You can find a variety of things to do in this lovely area including shopping, dining and relaxing. You can also enjoy the view over the city from one of the many terraces in the area.
- The square is surrounded by two grand curved buildings on all sides and boasts a lovely fountain in its centre. The square is also home to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, which was built on what was once the Baths of Diocletian. It is a great place to visit for anyone with an interest in art and architecture.
