Livorno is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the western edge of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno and the third-largest port on the western coast of Italy. Livorno's port was developed under the Medici. In 1618, they declared it a free port and instituted a liberal constitution which prompted an influx of Jews, Greeks, Spanish Muslims, English Catholics and a cosmopolitan throng of other refugees. Livorno flourished, and attracted a community of English expatriates (including Shelley) whose anglicization of the city's name into Leghorn is still in use today. Europe’s first bathing establishments were built here in the nineteenth century when the idea of seaside holidays first became popular. Ancient seagoing traditions are also kept alive by rowing races held between the city’s various quarters, both in the sea and on the canals.
Transportation in Livorno
By Car: From Genoa the E80 motorway follows the coast all the way down to Livorno. From Pisa / La Spezia take the A12 motorway following the signs for Livorno
By Train: Livorno station has good connections to all of Italy and Europe. Journey times to Rome are from 3 1/2 hours.
By Ferry: Livorno is one of the most important ferry ports in Italy offering sailings to both Corsica and Sardinia.
The Natural History Museum and the Aquarium contain many precious treasures recovered from the sea. Livorno is home to the prestigious Naval Academy where Italian Navy officers have been trained for over a century, and which hosts an annual Sailing Trophy with participants from all over the world. Treasures from the sea can be seen in the Villa Henderson, which combines antique finds with modern educational tours, and also has a Botanic Garden. The quarter known as Nuova Venezia (New Venice), built during the 17th century, still preserves some of its original features. Particularly interesting are the Medicean Fossi, a network of navigable canals connecting the warehouses and homes of merchants which, like those in Venice, had entrances at water level leading to rooms where goods were once stored. Piazza della Repubblica is still admired today for its unusual architecture. It is in fact a bridge covering a long stretch of navigable canal.
