Duomo di Livorno (Livorno Cathedral), Livorno

Duomo di Livorno (Livorno Cathedral), Livorno

The Livorno Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Mary Mother of Jesus, and Julia of Corsica. Julia, a patron saint of Livorno, was martyred in Cosica by Vandals in the 5th century. The cathedral is within the Buontalenti Pentagon on the south side of the Main Square (Piazza Grande).

Construction began in 1581. The facade is plain. The lower half has a porch with three arches supported by four Doric columns. The upper part of the facade has a central rectangular window within a recessed arch. Arches on either side are filled in and framed with pilasters. Restorations were made after World War II.

The original church had a rectangular plan with a single nave. It was changed to a cross plan when two chapels were added in 1716. The left chapel is dedicated to the Eucharist (the Christian service in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed). The right chapel, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was built in 1727.

The Livorno Cathedral was almost destroyed, by Allied bombs, in World War II. It was rebuilt close to the original, except for the additions to the facade and transepts. The cathedral was reconsecrated in 1952.

When visiting the cathedral, make sure you see the painting "Christ Crowned with Thorns" by the early renaissance Italian painter Fra Angelico in the Chapel of the Eucharist. Fra Angelico is described, by the famous Italian art historian Giorgio Vasari, as having "a rare and perfect talent." He is known for his beautiful fresco paintings.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Livorno. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Duomo di Livorno (Livorno Cathedral) on Map

Sight Name: Duomo di Livorno (Livorno Cathedral)
Sight Location: Livorno, Italy (See walking tours in Livorno)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Livorno, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Livorno

Create Your Own Walk in Livorno

Creating your own self-guided walk in Livorno is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Livorno Seafront Walk

Livorno Seafront Walk

When the weather permits and you fancy a walk, whilst in Livorno, taking a stroll along the local seafront is a good idea. The curvy walkway, running along the coast, south of the city, is dotted with numerous points of interest. The first of them, marking the outset of the long stretch of intriguing sights further ahead, is the former Orlando shipyard.

Practically next door to it is the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Livorno Introduction Walking Tour

Livorno Introduction Walking Tour

In the early 19th century, Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first person born in the United States to be canonized a saint, had a spiritual epiphany while visiting Livorno. The city has had similar effects on visitors and immigrants. Under Medici rule, people of every ethnicity and calling would come to Livorno to find prosperity and tolerance.

There have been settlements in the Livorno area since...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles