Old Fortress of Livorno

The old fortress of Livorno is located in the Medici port. Livorno is a beautiful port city located in Italian Tuscany on the Ligurian coast. And one of its most recognizable attractions is the Old Fortress (Italian name - Fortezza Vecchia). Local residents say that it is worth visiting for any tourist who finds himself in these places. You can enter the attraction for free.

History of the fortress

One of the parts of the building of the Old Fortress of Livorno - the round tower of Countess Matilda of Tuscany - has existed since the 11th century. However, it was the fortress (that is, a defensive, fortification structure) that arose on this site in 1377. At the beginning of the 15th century, when Livorno was captured by the Genoese, three well-armed forts were built here. And in the 16th century the city was under the rule of the famous Medici family. And during this period the fortress was also rebuilt.

It is known that from 1521 to 1534 it was remodeled by the Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo. On top of that, at some point, Duke Cosimo I de' Medici ordered the construction of his palace inside the Old Fortress. And later military barracks and even a prison were set up here.

During the Second World War, the Old Fortress of Livorno was destroyed by bombing. However, on the initiative of volunteers, they began to restore this legendary structure from the rubble. The restoration process continues to this day (and the work is still far from complete completion).

Location and appearance

The Old Fortress of Livorno is located in the old dock of the port of Livorno, not far from Piazza Marmi. The shape of the fortress is an asymmetrical polygon. You can enter it directly from the city (although in the old days it was completely surrounded by the sea and you had to take a ferry to get to it).

Important elements of the Old Fortress of Livorno are three bastions facing in different directions - Capitana, Canaviglia and Ampoletta. The last two are decorated with metal lion faces. However, we must admit that these are only copies of the original bronze sculptures.

What you can see inside

The building does not have a single roof, but its majestic vaults are truly impressive. In addition, on the territory of the fortress there is the Church of San Francesco. It is quite small in size, and is interesting, for example, because the altar in it is built right against the background of red brickwork.

Also, if desired, tourists can climb the spiral staircase to the Matilda Tower to enjoy the views of the city from there and fully experience the romance of the port.

Finally, it should be noted that music concerts and other similar events are sometimes held in the Old Fortress of Livorno.