The beautiful Tuscan seaside town of Livorno has a lot to offer visitors. The first Italian movie "La presa di Roma," about the entry of Garibaldi's troops into Rome during the Risorgimento, was made in the city and it was the first of many. Venezia Nuova (literally meaning “New Venice”) is part of the Old Town of Livorno that retains much of the original town layout and architectural features and looks like a mini-Venice.
Meanwhile, Cavallino Matto, located near the city, is Tuscany’s biggest amusement park. Needless to say, there are also all the churches, museums, restaurants, views and other delights that recommend any Tuscan town, in addition.
However, no trip to Livorno is complete without visiting Terrazza Mascagni for a stroll and a photo opportunity.
Meanwhile, Cavallino Matto, located near the city, is Tuscany’s biggest amusement park. Needless to say, there are also all the churches, museums, restaurants, views and other delights that recommend any Tuscan town, in addition.
However, no trip to Livorno is complete without visiting Terrazza Mascagni for a stroll and a photo opportunity.
Terrazza Mascagni is a terrace located along the seafront with stone balustrades and paved in black and white tiles that resemble a chessboard. Designed by Enrico Salvais and Luigi Pastore, it was built in the 1920s and was originally called Terrazza Ciano, named for Costanzo Ciano, the local fascist leader and father of Galeazzo Ciano, who married Mussolini's daughter Edda in 1930.
It was completely destroyed during WWII and had to be rebuilt. At this time, it was expanded to the north. It was later renamed to honour the more palatable figure of the famous Livorno-born opera composer, Pietro Mascagni. There is also a lovely circular tempietto built on the terrace, where musicians often situate themselves and play music, creating a pleasant and romantic atmosphere. Find a holiday rental in Livorno and you can see it for yourself.
It was completely destroyed during WWII and had to be rebuilt. At this time, it was expanded to the north. It was later renamed to honour the more palatable figure of the famous Livorno-born opera composer, Pietro Mascagni. There is also a lovely circular tempietto built on the terrace, where musicians often situate themselves and play music, creating a pleasant and romantic atmosphere. Find a holiday rental in Livorno and you can see it for yourself.
All in all, the terrace is the perfect place to stroll, relax and take in the beautiful views and, as a result, it is a local mecca for visiting couples, in particular. Sunset and sunrise here are especially romantic and the views, are nothing to scoff at. Towards the city, you can admire a lovely view of its historical buildings, palazzi and beautiful gardens. Towards the sea, meanwhile, you can take in the harbor, the Tuscan archipelago and the islands of Elba, Capraia, and Gorgona. On clear days, you can even see all the way out to French-owned Corsica, birth place of Napoleon.
If you grow tired of just looking around, there is plenty to do in the area. You can visit a number of 19th century bathing establishments, the little beach of Spiaggia della Bellana, the Municipal Aquarium, the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori contemporary art museum and a lovely public park on via Jacopo. If you are visiting this corner of Tuscany, Livorno, and the terrace, are a must!
If you grow tired of just looking around, there is plenty to do in the area. You can visit a number of 19th century bathing establishments, the little beach of Spiaggia della Bellana, the Municipal Aquarium, the Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori contemporary art museum and a lovely public park on via Jacopo. If you are visiting this corner of Tuscany, Livorno, and the terrace, are a must!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Eric Perrone / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 1: Eric Perrone / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 4.0
