The "Medici", grand dukes of tuscany, developed the city in the end of the 16th century. approaching the port you will see the "Fortezza  vecchia" (old fortress )bastions facing the waters with its imposing Mastio di Matilde (Matilde's keep) that guards the port and is connected to the Fortezza nuova (new fortress) heart of the city centre, by a canal system.

The characteristic quarter of Venezia nuova built during the 17th century,  still preserves its original appearance ; the “Fossi medicei”, a net work of navigable canals like in Venice.  in august, for fifteen days, Venezia is a lit-up area with "Effetto  Venezia" in the historical centre of the city ; every evening there is live music from pop, jazz,  classical and contemporary music, exhibitions, theatre events, gourmet events and street market.

Livorno is the birthplace of painters, musicians and poets as Fattori, Amedeo Modigliani, Pietro Mascagni, Francesco Guerrazzi  and Giorgio Caproni.

You can admire the works by Giovanni Fattori , Nomellini and other painters in the beautiful “Villa Mimbelli”, a mansion house surrounded by  a big park with exotic plants that the Mimbelli's family imported from the far east. The museum tour starts on the ground floor of this majestic villa .

During the summer our sea coast offers a breath-taking view , if we pass  "Antignano" we can reach  Calafuria, Romito and Boccale, three super places to swim and sunbathe under these rocks . on a clear and limpy day you will be able to see the islands, Elba, Corsica , Gorgona and Sardinia.

The historical bathing establishment "Pancaldi", founded in 1846,  still offers its services to guests, who like to have complete service; it  is  reachable on foot from our hotel. "Bagni fiume" and "Bagni lido", are other two popular bathing establishments and are both reachable in ten minutes .

Livorno offers lots of sport events: foofball, fencing, tennis. rugby and swimming. we also have "Caprilli" horse-racing. All these sports can be practised within ten minutes walk from the hotel. as we are on the sea promenade walking and jogging is practised by many people all day long.
Diving and sailing courses can be held here in Antignano during the summer . not forgetting wind-surfing which is held at “i tre ponti”,a beach near the hotel.

In april there is the important event of the "Trofeo Accademia Navale" this was founded in 1981 to celebrate the centennial of the naval academy. the regata is open to international boats, and during the trophy the city organizes shows, exhibitions and concerts.

In june "Coppa  Risi'atori" is held in the waters between the Meloria and the Darsena and "Coppa Ilio Barontini ", this cup takes place by night along the medici canals.

In july classical concerts take place in the "Fortezza Vecchia" and modern music is held in "Fortezza Nuova".

The most famous of Livorno's historical regattas takes place in front of Terrazza Mascagni in july.The rowers represent the ancient districts of the town.

Having Livorno as a base, there are important cities to visit by car or train like Pisa, Florence Lucca or ,to see the Etruscan coast or the tuscany hills, where you can purchase extra vergin oil or an excelllent Chianti wine.

In the evening "The Goldoni Theatre" guarantees excellent prose, opera and ballet. This beautiful and majestic theatre is one of the most beautiful theatres and has been restored and re-opened in 2004.

A few kilometres from Livorno , the picturesque village of Montenero hosts a sanctuary that was founded in 1345. This was the place where a pastor had brought an image of the Madonna (the patron saint of Tuscany since 1947).
In the chapels, which can be accessed through the sacristy, a gallery preserves an exceptional collection af gold given mostly by sea-men as votive offerings.
The sanctuary can also be reached by the funicular railway.