Livorno
Livorno (Leghorn) is a pleasant Tuscan town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its climate, the green hills surrounding it and above all its coast line, which offers the possibility of beautiful walks and summer swims, make it particularly agreeable all year round.
Livorno's history is brief: it was only from the 16th century onwards that it began to assume the dimension of a true city, at the same period in which Florence and the Medici were at the height of their splendour.
Once it became a duty free port, it was a cosmopolitan city right up to the 17th and 18th centuries full of colonies originating from all parts of the world: English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Greek and Jewish. This was so much the case that even today Livorno is characterized by its atmosphere of tolerance and conviviality towards foreigners. This aspect is also reflected in the character of the Livornese people. In fact traditionally the Livornese are defined as 'jocular' and 'without care', capable of living happily together with all nationalities.
Unfotunately Livorno risked being completely eliminated by the bombing during the Second World War: a truly irreparable loss if you think that Livorno should have been, at least in the Urban Development Program of the architect Bernardo Buontalenti, "the ideal city". This 'ideal city', has not been completely lost however; it can be partly traced, and even tra-velled, by taking a boat along the characteristic canals which link the port to the rest of the city.
WHY LIVORNO?
1)Unlike in the other Italian cities, it is possible to hear correct Italian spoken in Livorno because, as is the case in the whole of Tuscany, no dialect is used. Tuscany, therefore, is an ideal starting point (the Italian language was born here) for anyone wishing to approach our language.
2)Its vicinity to the sea means there is pleasant breeze throughout the day, making the hottest days easily bearable.
3)It is close to the Tuscan archipelago islands which are in easy reach in a short time by ferries which leave from the port; and to the renowned Costa degli Etruschi with its interesting ruins.
4)It is close to the great cities of art: Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. Volterra, San Gimignano and all the medieval towns and villages spread all over the Tuscan countryside, and above all the famous Chianti hills are also within easy reach.
5) Despite being a lively city, Livorno is not a classical tourist city. Since contact with the Livornese people can be made more easily and spontaneously than in the more touristic cities, it is possible to experience the true Italian life in Livorno.
6) The cost of life isn't high in Livorno. In fact, everything is considerably cheaper in comparison to the other more touristic cities.
7) In the last week of July you can partecipate in the most popular event of the summer Effetto Venezia. A large Festival in the oldest part of the city where you can listen to live music, watch theatrical events, go to a street market and eat ethnic foods, until the late hours of the evening.
HOW TO REACH LIVORNO
To reach Livorno is very simple. Our town is situated infact on one of the most important railways of Italy. But if you choose to come by car, you can find a main road leading exactly to Livorno. Moreover, the nearest airports are Pisa (20 km.) and Firenze (90 km.). From Corsica you can arrive directly at the port of Livorno also by ferry.
