Palio Marinaro - Livorno

A celebration of the link between city and sea

Where: Terrazza Mascagni, Livorno (LI)

When: Last Saturday in June

E-mail: segreteriapalio@gareremierelivorno.it

Event website: https://www.comune.livorno.it/index.php/it/eventi/2510265

The Party

In the heart of the Tuscan coast, Livorno preserves an identity deeply linked to the sea, which finds one of its most emblematic expressions in the Palio Marinaro. This historic rowing competition represents a perfect synthesis of sport, tradition and a sense of belonging.

It takes place every year at the end of June in the waters in front of the Terrazza Mascagni.

The event officially concludes Livorno's rowing season and sees the crews of the city's districts competing on ten-oared gozzi.

The parade in the sea, the main race over a distance of 2000 metres with three laps of the buoy and moments dedicated to under-18s and women, constitute a true collective ritual of the city.

Experiences offered
  • Attending the parade of district crews in the sea before the race.
  • Experience the thrill of the queen race: ten-oar gozzi, 2000 metres and three buoy laps.
  • Immerse yourself in local folklore: flags, colours, local fans, oar strokes and cheers.

Proposal for a long break

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Day 1 - Arrival and first taste of Livorno

A welcome to Livorno is offered by the sea. Take a bike ride along the splendid Terrazza Mascagni, the heart of Livorno's seafront, amidst elegant architecture and breathtaking views of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. If luck smiles on you, you will be able to witness one of Labron's sunsets, with its intense and evocative colours. The evening continues with a typical Livornese dinner in one of the restaurants certified for the quality of Cacciucco (5C) or among the Quality Made restaurants, where you can enjoy the famous fish soup, prepared according to authentic recipes handed down through generations. A perfect way to begin your experience in Livorno amid taste, tradition and authentic culture.

Day 2 - Central Market and Palio Marinaro experience

The day begins with a guided boat tour along Livorno's Medici ditches, discovering a city seen from the water. During the trip you can discover ancient churches of the foreign communities that lived here, old cellars of the districts, fishermen and rowers ready to set sail on their rowing gozzi. After the boat tour, lunch takes place at the Mercato Centrale delle Vettovaglie, a symbol of Livorno's gastronomy, where you can enjoy typical dishes such as the traditional “5e5”, street food with chickpea cake and sip the famous Ponce a vela.

In the afternoon, there is the Palio Marinaro, the historic rowing competition between the city districts, held every June in the stretch of sea in front of Terrazza Mascagni. The event, born in the 19th century, combines sport, folklore and local identity. The crews, aboard traditional ten-oared goiters, represent the different districts and parade among colours and choirs in an atmosphere of great festivity. The Palio involves the whole city, with months of preparations, side events and a growing female participation that renews Livorno's tradition.

Day 3 - Livorno between sea, history and postcard views

A travel experience to discover together the history, culture and traditions of this original seaside city. Climb aboard City Sightseeing with the possibility of boarding and alighting at your leisure and observe the iconic and characteristic sites of this maritime and port city framed by green hills by the sea. The tour departs from the Piazza del Comune and crosses the old town centre to continue towards the seafront, crossing the large Terrazza Mascagni, the Aquarium and arriving at the foot of the Sanctuary of Montenero, a well-known pilgrimage destination.

Afternoon free for sea and relaxation.

After an intense morning of discovery, you can indulge in an afternoon of relaxation by choosing between two options:

● Discounted bathing establishments, to enjoy the sea in total comfort ● Exploration of the Romito promontory and Calafuria, to discover the spectacular stretch of rocky coastline and the tradition of Scoglio alla Livornese, with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking seabed, where the sea blends all the magic of the Mediterranean with the wonder of Tuscan nature.

Day 4 - Sport and Sea

The Contessa Oasis: a paradise for nature lovers A few kilometres from Livorno, discover the Contessa Oasis, a corner of uncontaminated nature among ponds and reeds where you can observe red herons, marsh harriers, sea jays and the rare bittern up close. With guided tours and excursions, you can enjoy birdwatching and nature photography, admiring the rich marsh vegetation, a nationally awarded example of natural beauty.

A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the fauna, flora and history of the Livorno area.

Alternatively, excursion to the Acquedotto Leopoldino: history, engineering and landscapes.

Set out to discover the Colognole Aqueduct, an 18th-century masterpiece over 18 km long that combines architecture and nature in the Livorno Mountains. Designed by Giuseppe Salvetti and completed by Pasquale Poccianti, the aqueduct supplied Livorno with water from 1816 to 1912 and still serves the surrounding municipalities today. Along the route, you will admire natural springs, the imposing historical cisterns - the Cisternone, the Cisternino di Città and the Cisternino di Pian di Rota - and unique panoramic views, between history, nature and engineering. An excursion not to be missed for those who love to explore and be surprised.

Day 5 - Culture, Art and Museums in Livorno: a journey through history and creativity

Dedicate a day to the cultural discovery of Livorno, among museums, art and unique suggestions. The itinerary begins with a visit to Villa Mimbelli, an elegant 19th-century residence overlooking the sea. Here, among refined salons and art collections, you can admire the masterpieces of the Macchiaioli school and immerse yourself in the eclectic taste of Livorno of the period.

Continue to the Mediterranean Natural History Museum, where more than 20 exhibition rooms tell the story of the region's marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Among cetacean skeletons, interactive models and zoological collections, you can discover the richness of the Mediterranean ecosystem

The next stop is the Modigliani House, the birthplace of Amedeo Modigliani. Here you can explore photographs, paintings and documents recounting the life and creative journey of the famous painter and sculptor.

The itinerary ends in the picturesque Quartiere Venezia, with a visit to the City Museum at the Bottini dell'Olio. Exhibits illustrate Livorno's history, connection to the sea, trade and identity, combining past and present. Strolling through alleyways, bridges and canals, the museum offers a comprehensive perspective on the city's life and culture.

How to Get There

Cars: From Florence, take the SGC Fi Pi Li to Livorno and follow signs for Terrazza Mascagni.

Train/Bus: Livorno central station, then city bus or taxi to Terrazza Mascagni.

On foot/local public transport: Once in town, the Terrace is easily accessible along the seafront promenade.

What to see and what to do in the surrounding area

  • Terrazza Mascagni, perfect for panoramic walks on the sea and enjoying suggestive sunsets.
  • Quartiere Venezia (New Venice), with its canals, bridges and historic houses, is great for exploring the city and stopping at a typical café or restaurant.
  • Old Fortress, the historic fortress at the port, which offers interesting views and a bit of the city's history.
  • Mercato Centrale (Mercato delle Vettovaglie), to experience the local atmosphere and taste typical products.
  • Livorno Aquarium, an ideal activity with children or for those who want to explore the marine fauna (located near Terrazza Mascagni).
  • Livorno City Museum (Polo Culturale Bottini dell'Olio), located in the Venezia Nuova district.
  • Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori, located in the historic Villa Mimbelli, houses a splendid collection of Livorno and Tuscan paintings from the mid-19th century to the 1940s.
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