Day 30 - Livorno, Italy

Sunday 21st October 2018

The port of Livorno has always been a crossroads and melting pot of the worlds cultures and owes its fascinating charm to this multi-ethnic  aspect, beginning with the Etruscan and Roman remains and later the 16th century Medici development of the city.  It remains a starting point for ferries to Corsica and Sardinia and for access to the glories of Tuscany, the incredible architecture and allure of Florence, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the hilltop Tuscan towns of San Gimignano and Voltera, the walled city of Lucca and the picturesque villages of the Poets‘ Gulf.

Berthed in Livorno, well known as Leghorn to the British.

Usual start to let the rush go, trivia and coffee.  Then off to catch the shuttle bus into town.

Drop off at the Piazza del Municipo then a stroll round, down to the Fortezza Vecchio, the old fortress, one of many defensive works built here for the Medici family.

Then past the marina, filled with a fine mix of working fishing boats and pleasure craft.

Passing by the four Moors Statue, this one of Duke Ferdinando I de Medici with four chained Moors at the base.

Popped into one of the few shops which was open for essentials. 

Continuing on through the city and along the Via Borra, a street lined with reportedly the most beautiful buildings built in the city in the 1700’s.  All the buildings in this street seemed to have security as their priority shown by the strength of the bars on the windows and the size of the bolts on the doors.

Then on to the Fortezza Nuova, a late addition to the towns defences.

Continued back to the Piazza del Municipo for a gelato, (what else would you do on a Sunday morning?), while waiting for the bus.

All in all a nice little town to visit, the old town was surrounded by the Medici Bastions, parts still standing.

The town also criss crossed by many canals and moats, all now used as berthing for all sort of water craft.

The town though quite near to Queen Victoria, it was  still a long bus ride away due to many waterways blocking a direct route. So it's back on the bus to return.

The afternoon whiled away with sun and tea.

Dodged the formal dinner tonight. just went up to the Lido. Then it's time for a bit of formula 1 on the TV, luckily the German station carries all the races.  Cunard seem to think no one wants to watch anything but football or tennis.