Livorno

Industrial port and resort in Tuscany, western Italy, 75 km/47 mi southwest of Florence; population (2001) 156,300. Industries include shipbuilding, distilling, oil-refining, and motor vehicle manufacture. A fortress town since the 12th century, it was developed by the Medici family in the 16th century. It is the site of a naval academy.

The cathedral, begun in 1594, has a facade ascribed to the English classical architect Inigo Jones. Four porticoed palaces stand in the adjoining square, and there are many other palaces and Renaissance churches, as well as impressive coastal forts. The composer Pietro Mascagni was born here.

History In the 14th century Livorno was under the domination of Pisa. At the beginning of the 15th century it came into the hands of the French, who sold it to Genoa in 1407. It was purchased by the Florentines in 1421, and from then onwards it prospered. In 1606 the port and harbour were opened to traders of all nationalities, and it was a free port from 1691 to 1867.

Livorno

Province of central Italy in western Tuscany region; capital Livorno; area 1,218 sq km/470 sq mi; population (2000 est) 334,200.