Docked at the T-dock of Livorno’s free port, we found ourselves right in the heart of the action and it didn’t take long to fall for this smaller, quieter cross between Venice and Milan.
We wandered past the striking Monument of the Four Moors, a dramatic nod to Livorno’s seafaring legacy – built in the 17th century to honor Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici’s victories over Mediterranean pirates. Its base, with four bronze statues of chained slaves, also reflects the era’s harsh reality of slavery and domination that funded much of that maritime power.
We then lost ourselves in the winding canals of Venezia Nuova, the city’s answer to Venice, built in the 1600s to connect merchants to the port by water. The old-world charm lingers, with arched bridges, colorful facades, and boats bobbing beneath stone walkways. We also felt that Livorno echoed Milan in its elegant architecture, lively energy, and surprisingly stylish shopping, blending coastal charm with a touch of urban sophistication.
We climbed medieval steps to explore the Old Fortress, and ducked into Ristorante L’Ancora for a round of Cokes. This charming restaurant is tucked inside a vaulted former warehouse dating back to the 18th century, and the warm, welcoming waitress who served us made the stop even more enjoyable.
Naturally, the evening ended with gelato. And we even found a great grocery store nearby to restock the essentials, before returning to Kora for another awe-inspiring sunset.
If you’re sailing the Tuscan coast, don’t skip Livorno. Charming, walkable, and full of character. Plus a free dock!!!! We’d come back in a heartbeat!
