Livorno, Italy

It was a sunny,  but breezy day in Livorno!

Livorno was our first Italian port of call.  The city of 168,000 on the west coast of Tuscany is famous for its seafood.  It is also a major cruise port, with ships scheduled daily throughout the Mediterranean cruise season, which runs mostly from early spring to late fall.  

Most cruise ship passengers spend very little time in Livorno.  They quickly pass through as they make their way to Florence, Pisa, Luca, and the five connected cities that make up the Cinque Terra.  It’s hard to compete with Michaelango’s “David”, Pisa’s leaning tower, the walled renaissance city of Lucca or the beauty of the cinque terra. 

We had been quite active the past few days and we knew what was in store for us the next day in Rome.  We decided to explore Livorno.  We found plenty to keep us entertained for a good part of the day.  

The port is close to the city center, but it’s a combination industrial port and cruise terminal, so we had to take a shuttle ($7 each) into the city.  The shuttle dropped us off right beside the tourist information office.  With a little help from the staff and a local map we were quickly on our way.   

First up was the Central Market.  What made this market interesting was that it was truly a local market set up to meet the needs of Livorno residents, and not tourists.  It was filled with booths selling clothing, shoes, produces, cheeses and plenty of fresh seafood.  As best as I can remember, there wasn’t a single item with “Italy” plastered all over it that had been mass produced in China.  

The Central Market was a nice place to visit.  Part of it was indoors and part was outdoors.  It seemed like their prices for leather goods( belts, purses, wallets, etc.) were very good.

We enjoyed several hours of exploring the city center, and waterfront before returning to the ship.  Very happy for the easy day, especially knowing that we would be roaming around Rome the next day.  

There were plenty of boats along the canals to supply the fresh seafood Livorno is famous for offering. 

Canal around the “New Fortress”.  The “New Fortress” was built in the 16th century.  We didn’t get to the “Old Fortress”.  Construction on it started in the 11th century!

The Terrazza Mascagni was originally built in the 1920’s.  

If it’s your first visit to this part of the Tuscan region you’ll most likely want to see the more famous areas.  However, if you’re looking for a fun, interesting and laid back day, Livorno may be just what you’re looking for!