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Livorno

The port of Livorno, also know as Leghorn, on the Tyrrhenian Sea is the gateway to Tuscany and in particular the cities of Pisa and Florence. Considered to be an ideal town during the Italian Renaissance, today it reflects is rich history through its towers and fortresses, and navigable canals. Livorno was designed by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti at the end of the 16th century but it underwent a period of great town planning expansion at the end of the 17th century. Livorno was hit hard during the World War II and there many monuments that are a stark reminder to the dark period. Yet, the neo-classic structures that came up stand testimony to Livorno's spirit to bounce back.

Things to see in Livorno

• Terrazza Mascagni: The Mascagni Terrace is a beautiful walkway divided by a handrail from the sea and is named after the famous musician Pietro Mascagni.
• Capolinea Via Cogorano(Piazza Grande): Piazza Grande, a prominent landmark of Livorno, is today bordered with modern buildings.
• Quattro Mori: Admire the statue of Grand Duke Ferdinando II sculpted in marble and also the bronze statues of four chained prisoners.
• Museo Villa Fabbricotti: Located inside the Villa Fabbricotti Park, this museum showcases an impressive collection of Fattori paintings and the other Macchiaioli painters during the mid-19th century.
• Mercato Centrale: This is Livorno's stunning 19th century neo-classical food market that miraculously survived the World War II bombings.

Restaurants in Livorno

The area around Piazza XX Settembre abounds in cafes and bars. Another major dining destination is the magnificent Mercato Centrale.

• Ristorante Aragosta: Located right on the waterfront, the restaurant is a popular haunt to enjoy seafood
• Cantina Senese: This local eatery also serves fabulous seafood. Squeeze onto a wooden table and try Livorno's specialty, cacciucco di pesce.
• Ristorante Il Medio Oriente: This is an inexpensive Arabian restaurant. Listen to some great Arabic music while enjoying your meal.
• Enoteca D.O.C. Parole e Cibi: The menu here changes weekly. The must try here include fresh pasta dishes, sumptuous seafood and a variety of carpaccio served with bread. The restaurant has an interesting collection of wines.

Entertainment and nightlife in Livorno

The Venezia quarter is the perfect place for pub hopping. In summers, the most happening night place is the seafront. Major street festivals are held along the Venezia quarter. Most of the discos and clubs in Livorno are located in the suburbs and along the Etruscan Coast and in towns such as Castiglioncello, Cecina, Vada, and Rosignano. The most popular pub here is the Barge. The pub is more like an English pub. There is a piano bar and a restaurant and is patronized by a hip young crowd.

Golfing in Livorno

Cosmopolitan Golf and Country Club: The golf course is situated at a distance of 14 kilometers from Livorno and covers an area of 70 hectares. This brilliantly landscaped gold course designed by Davide Mezzacane, in 1992, follows the traditions of the Scottish links. This 18 hole, par 72 course is a lovely combination of dunes, lakes and the fairways. Because of its proximity to the sea, it is usually windy here; however the mild climate makes this an attractive course to play all the year round.