Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Best Things to See and Do in Livorno Italy

###The Best Things to See and Do in Livorno Italy###
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Livorno Italy is the port that cruise ships call at when they visit Tuscany. Because it's the gateway for Florence and Pisa, most cruisers hop on a bus and head level out of town, missing what Livorno has to offer.

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Not far from Genoa, Livorno is the main coastal town of the Etruscan Coast. With a lovely ocean-front promenade, navigable canals that date from the 17th century, and some of Tuscany's best seafood, Livorno is worth exploring.

It's an easy three-hour train trip from Rome. And there's also aid from Civitavecchia, Rome's cruise port.

Medici architect Bernardo Buonatlenti laid out most of the city in 1567. Piazza della Repubblica is the center of the town, and it's bounded by the Fosso Reale canal. There's also a large park called Fortezza Nuova.

Here's what every traveler to Livorno Italy should see and do:

1) Take a roam along Terazza Mascagni

Originally built in the 1920s, this lovely checkerboard tiptoe was restored in the 1990s. It offers fresh, ocean breezes, and great views of the islands in the Tuscan archipelago.

2) Cruise Livorno's canals

There's no great view of Livorno than the one you'll get from the canals, or fossi as the locals call them. They were originally built as moats to safe the city, and they join together the old and new fortresses with the Piazza della Repubblica. The Piazza spans the Royal Canal or Fosso Reale, and acts as a bridge over the waterway.

3) gawk Venezia Nuova

The most piquant part of Livorno for tourists, the New Venice quarter has winding lanes, narrow bridges, and 17th-century merchants houses. On Via Borra you can see the old storehouses that supplied the port up close. There's a cultural festival here in early August with outdoor performances and street theater. And it has the liveliest restaurant- and bar-scene in town.

4) Shop at Mercato delle Vettovaglie

Built in the late 19th century in the Art Nouveau style, this large, covered market has more than 200 stalls. You can shop here for fish, meat, vegetables, bread, and cheeses every morning except Sundays.

5) Visit Mediceo Port and Fortezza Vecchia

The Old Fort which was built in 1534 dominates Livorno's Old Port. The views from the Matilde Tower are worth the climb. And there's a wine bar where you can get refreshments after your visit.

6) See the symbol of the city

The Pisans first built a watchtower over from the port in the 12th century. The Meloria was destroyed by the Genoese in 1286 and rebuilt by the Medici in 1598. The current tower dates from 1709 and is Livorno's symbol. Look for images of the tower rising from the sea on posters in the local shops.

7) Tour Museo Fattori

If you appreciate the liberty style - the Italian version of Art Nouveau - or want to see 19th- and 20th-century paintings from Tuscany, you'll enjoy a visit to this museum located in the Villa Mimbelli.

8) Find a deal at Mercatino Americano

This bustling market was originally established to furnish goods for the American military base in Livorno. It was in Piazza Xx Settembre for almost 60 years before it was moved to the port. Today, it's the best flea market in Livorno, and a good place to shop for cheap souvenirs.

Livorno has excellent seafood and pesto. an additional one specialty you should try is Cacciucco -- fish and rice served on a thick slab of bread.

There are some good Livorno hotels if you want to stay over.

The best hotel in Livorno is the Nh Grand Palazzo. located in a 19th-century palace, it's just off the elegant Terrazza Mascagni promenade. If you're finding for amenities like gorgeous views of the sea, a full-service spa, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, this is your best bet.

In the heart of Livorno near Goldoni's Theater, Al Teatro has just 8 lovely rooms. It's walking distance to all of Livorno's attractions and there are restaurants nearby. Start your day with breakfast in the leafy garden.

One of the more piquant hotels in Livorno, Hotel Rex enjoys a nice ocean-front location. In addition to a inexpressive beach and marina, it has a couple of restaurants with gorgeous ocean views. It's near Castello del Boccale.

The Monument of the Four Moors is one of the best know attractions in Livorno. The Hotel Gran Duca on the Piazza dei Quattro Mori overlooks the monument and the harbor. You can walk to most of Livorno's attractions, and there are some restaurants on the piazza that serve fresh, local seafood.

The Best Things to See and Do in Livorno Italy


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