Discover the hidden historic beauty of Livorno, the most important and modern port city in Tuscany. Founded in the 9th century to defend Pisa city, the attractive seaport itself boasts not only advanced infrastructure but also impressive monuments left behind by the eventful history, from the Monument of the Four Moors built in memory of the medieval battles against Moorish pirates, the mighty New Fortress defending the city during the Second World War, the Saint Mark Gate commemorating the fallen in the Independence War in the 18th century, and San Marco Theatre hosting the history-making founding congress of Italian Communist Party.
Start the journey through the rich history at the stand-alone Saint Mark Gate. The only remaining gate of the city walls, topped by a majestic lion statue, overlooks a tranquil square in memory of the fallen during the Independence War, whose names are commemorated on a plaque on the stonework.
On the way to Livorno’s beating heart: the lively New Venice district, crisscrossed by a dense system of canals, you will first encounter the 19th-century San Marco Theatre, once one of the biggest in the city. Unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War, the historic ruins of great testimonial value witnessed the founding congress of the Italian Communist Party, featuring illustrious Livornese and Ilio Barontini.
Just a stone’s throw away, marvel at the immersive world inside the Church of Saint Catherine of Siena and the precious canvas “Coronation of Mary”, which used to be in the Vatican. In contrast to its simplistic appearance, the 18th-century Baroque temple is considered the biggest frescoed church in Tuscany.
You will make your own way to the meeting points