Livorno

livorno_SHXPRTGDE_0001

L I V O R N O Adventures Ashore Port Guide ®

for FLORENCE /PISA

Livorno: A Virtual Crossroads of Historic Empires and Infamous Shadows of Stature Livorno, or “Leghorn,” is the principal town in the province of the same name, which lies in the region called Tuscany. Italy’s third-largest seaport, Livorno serves as your gateway to the cities of Florence and Pisa. Tuscany gets its name from the ancient Etruscans, who settled the region. The Etruscans were a hard, warlike people whose origin is still uncertain. They were the first civilized people in Italy to build cities, establish trade, develop a code of law, and create high-quality artwork.

ITALY AT A GLANCE

SIZE: 116,303 square miles, about the size of Florida and Georgia combined POPULATION: 57,772,000, about

one-fourth the U.S. population LANGUAGE: Italian CAPITAL: Rome TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic CURRENCY: Euro, formerly

Livorno (for Florence/Pisa)

Italian Lira TIME ZONE: GMT +2

ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE

This is your guide to Livorno, specially prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide is intended to assist you if you are on a shore excursion, touring independently or doing both. Please note that the information provided is general in nature and is subject to change.

Although the Etruscan state was defeated by the Romans and incorporated into their empire, Tuscans as a people continued to thrive in the region, enjoying life and creating things of beauty. The pinnacle of their civilization was the Italian Renaissance, one of the great cultural explosions in the world’s history. Lasting from the early 14th-century until the end of the 16th-century, the Renaissance – which means “rebirth”– was a revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture and institutions. Tuscan families like the Medici had a prosperous trade with the eastern Mediterranean and a great surplus of wealth, which they used to support artists and decorate their homes and churches in the new style. A revival of interest in science and travel led to more curiosity about the world outside Europe; the great voyages of Columbus and the other explorers followed. Florence More than any other place, Florence, which means “the Flowering,” is the jewel of the Renaissance. From the Piazzale Michelangelo there is a splendid panorama of the skyline. It is easy to pick out the pointed tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Cathedral’s massive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

It is this Cathedral, the Duomo, that symbolizes the wealth and power of Florence in its golden age. It took 14 years to build, and was paid for entirely by the clothmakers’ guild. The facade is decorated with multi-colored marble in pleasant geometric shapes. Brunelleschi built the huge, lanterned dome using a revolutionary method that was later copied for St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. The roof is supported by high gothic vaulting, and the interior of the dome is adorned with a fresco of the Last Supper and beautiful stained glass. In the Cathedral Museum is a Pieta created by Michelangelo at the age of 80, which he left unfinished; the face on Nicodemus is Michelangelo’s own. Outside the Duomo is Giotto’s graceful Campanile or Bell Tower, with classical straight lines that contrast with the curves of the dome. In front of the cathedral is the Baptistery, decorated with white and green marble. The inner dome is decorated with fine mosaics of the 13thcentury. The magnificent doors present scenes from the Bible sculpted on a series of bronze panels. Even Michelangelo considered the East Doors, done by artist Lorenzo Ghiberti, so beautiful that he named them the Gates of Paradise. Not far from the Cathedral is the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of political life in Florence. In the square are a monument to Cosimo di Medici and the Fountain of Neptune. The impressive Old Palace served as the government center for the city. In front of the palace are copies of Michelangelo’s David and Donatello’s Florentine Lion, as well as the wonderful Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini. Just off the square is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s finest museums, with representative works of nearly every Renaissance master. Originally designed as an administrative

Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Livorno (for Florence/Pisa) ®

building for the Medici family, the Uffizi is now home to Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Spring and Madonnas, along with the Annunciation and the Baptism of Christ by Leonardo da Vinci. It also houses the Medici Venus and other pieces of ancient Greek sculpture. Not far from the Uffizi is the Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge spanning the Arno. Goldsmiths and silversmiths long ago built their shops on the bridge and along the road leading up to it. On the far side of the river is the Pitti Palace, another large and rich gallery located alongside the delightful Boboli Gardens. The Pitti is home to no less than 11 masterpieces by Raphael, including the famous Madonna of the Chair. There are also stunning works by Filippo Lippi, Andrea del Sarto, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Tintoretto. The Accademia appears somewhat small by comparison, but fans of Michelangelo will find it a unique treasure-house. His original David is here, alongside a fascinating sculpture series called the Captives. Intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, these unfinished sculptures appear to be struggling to liberate themselves from clinging marble. Pisa Although the city of Pisa seems rather small, it was once the mighty capital of a commercial republic. In the 11th-century, Pisa competed with Genoa and Venice for Mediterranean trade, and played an important part in the First Crusade.

Lucca Until the late 18th-century, Lucca was a small but totally independent state. The 16th-century walls are largely intact, making the city one of the best examples of Renaissance fortification in Europe. The interior of the city is also pleasant, since it is flat, not hilly, and because the old grid of Roman streets makes it easy to find your way. You can also see where the old Roman amphitheater stood at the Piazza del Mercato; the stones have all been taken for other buildings, but the oval shape remains. At one end of The Via Fillugo, near the Anfiteatro, is the colorful church of San Frediano, with 13th-century mosaics of the Ascension decorating the facade. This church was founded by a 6th century Irish monk, and was important in the life of the city’s patron, St. Zita. The cathedral of San Martino is a fine example of the PisanRomanesque style of the 11th-century, but is not entirely symmetrical. The complex decorations of the exterior include a series of 12 carvings called “Labors of the Month.” Inside is a wooden crucifix which was popular with medieval pilgrims. Nearby is the house where Giacomo Puccini was born, and today honors him as a small museum. San Gimignano If you want to know what the 14th-century looked like, come to San Gimignano, the town of the Fine Towers. Today’s distinctive skyline boasts 14 tall towers, but there were 76 at one time. In their day, each one represented a noble family’s stronghold against other factions in

the city. And of course the height of each tower represented a certain prestige, as well as a military edge. You’ll find 7 of them around the main square, including the oldest, on the Mayor’s Palace. The tallest today (175 feet) is at the Palace of the People, where you can get a fine view of the countryside. The cathedral here has some of the most elaborate frescoes in Italy, including works by Ghirlandaio, Bartolo di Fredi, and Lippo Memmi. Don’t miss the beautiful carvings by Jacopo della Quercia. The root of San Gimignano’s affluence was its location on the Pilgrims’ Road to Rome. All that changed in 1348 when the plague devastated the district. Pilgrims went elsewhere after that, and the town went into a steep decline. The old buildings stayed the way they were, since there was no money to replace them with more modern designs. Bad for them, lucky for us! Volterra Like many Tuscan hill towns, Volterra began as a typical Etruscan stronghold: a high plateau about an hour from the sea. Today the wealth of the fine artifacts in the local museum recalls that stunning culture. Some items look surprisingly modern. The central Piazza dei Priori is one of Italy’s finest squares, surrounded with austere palaces, and delightful shops. From the Palace of the Priors, there are good views of a well preserved Roman theater. Don’t neglect the local sculptures in translucent white alabaster...the descendants of the old Etruscans are not far away!

Places of Interest BATTISTERO (BAPTISTERY) Located in front of the Duomo, it is renowned for its magnificent bronze doors created by Ghiberti. CAMPANILE (BELL TOWER) This graceful tower designed by Giotto stands five stories high outside the Duomo. DUOMO (CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE) The Cathedral of Florence famed for its massive lanterned dome designed by Brunelleschi. GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI (UFFIZI GALLERY) One of the world’s most important art museums and home of countless masterpieces by such artists as Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli. GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA (ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS) Museum most famous for its collection of statues by Michelangelo, including the David. MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO (CATHEDRAL MUSEUM) Including works by Ghiberti, Donatello, and Michelangelo. PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA Center of Florentine political life where a copy of the Statue of David is displayed, along with original sculptures by Cellini. PONTE VECCHIO Florence’s most-famous bridge, which spans the Arno River. PALAZZO PITTI (PITTI PALACE) One of Florence’s largest and best palaces, it today houses four separate museums, including a vast collection of the powerful Medici family. SANTA CROCE CHURCH Fine example of Florentine gothic architecture. SANTA MARIA NOVELLA This distinct church houses several of Florences formost frescos, most notably Masaccio’s Trinity.

The best known buildings in Pisa are gathered around the “Field of Miracles,” the familiar trio of Cathedral, Baptistery and the Campanile or Bell Tower. This Campanile is the world-famous Leaning Tower, now inclined 14 feet to one side due to the settling of the subsoil.

SOME OF THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE

DOCKING Your Princess ship docks in Livorno. The dock is approximately two miles from the Livorno city center. Driving times are approximately 1 1⁄2 hours to Florence and 20 minutes to Pisa. SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that location to assist you. TAXIS Taxis are available pierside and throughout the city. Confirm your fare with driver before departing. TRAINS Trains are available to Florence and Pisa. Local currency will be needed for the fare. For more information, inquire at www.italiarail.com SHOPPING Window shopping is a delight in Florence. You’ll find good buys in:

Post Office: The Central Post Office in Livorno is located at Via Cairoli 12/16. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

PROPER ATTIRE Please wear proper attire ashore when planning to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred places. Shorts for both men and women are considered improper. Women should also cover their bare arms. LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties Florentines are proud of their robust food. Recommended items include: Prosciutto crudo con fichi: This local favorite is an appealing appetizer of raw ham and fresh figs Pappardelle: A tasty pasta dish of broad noodles served in season with hare sauce Bistecca alla fiorentina: This usually mammoth-

sized, charcoal-grilled T-bone steak served with lemon is a specialty Cacciucco: Red mullet or other fish cooked in toma-

Leather: Gloves, belts, purses, wallets and boxes

toes, onion, garlic and red wine, served on croutons

of all shapes and sizes.

Zuccotto: A liqueur-soaked, chilled sponge and

Gold and Silver: Simple jewelry like gold or

chocolate cake

silver charms are quite reasonable. Also look for pill-boxes, napkin rings, photo frames, cruet sets, sugar bowls and candlesticks.

Drink Specialties - The local wine, Chianti, is red and light and can be drunk with almost anything. Other choice wines include:

Ceramics and Glassware: Ceramic ornaments

White Wines: Vernaccia di San Gimignano,

and innumerable statuettes for every taste Inlays and Mosaics: A Florentine specialty; look for small “pictures” of birds, flowers and landscapes; for trinkets, try the colorful, glass handmade mosaic broaches, pendants, bracelets and rings Candies: Bring home some Italian candied chest-

nuts, torrone (nougat), Siena biscuits or the famous Sienese panforte, a rich, chewy mixture of nuts and spiced candied fruits Strawwork: Attractive straw bags, sunhats and more Fashion: Florentine designers rival those of Paris and London The best places to shop are along the Ponte Vecchio and in the area around the church of Santa Croce.

PUBLIC SERVICES Banks: Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. and from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Museums: Hours vary. The Accademia and Uffizi

Gallery are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m.; closed on Mondays. The Museo Dell Opera is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

The fame of the Tower, however, shouldn’t distract you from the overall beauty of the other buildings, which are built in the highly original Pisan style. Note the tiers of arcades, together with geometrical decorations based on lozenge shapes. The beautifully decorated cemetery, or Campo Santo, contains 53 cartloads of earth that the Crusaders brought from Jerusalem. It is said that Galileo, a native of Pisa, used the Cathedral to study the movement of the pendulum, and the Leaning Tower to work out his laws of gravity and acceleration.

Practical Information

Shops: The majority of shops in Florence are open

an excellent dry wine; Montecarlo, and Bianco del-l’Elba, a mellower wine Vinsanto: A small glass of this deep amber-colored sweet “holy wine” is the perfect end to a meal.

It is always recommended that you drink bottled water while in port. TIPPING Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service. SOME USEFUL WORDS Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Si No . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Please . . . . . . . . . . Per favore Thank you . . . . . Grazie Good morning . . Buon giorno PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS In case of emergency while you are ashore, please contact:

William Shepherd S.R.L. Via del Marzocco 25 Livorno, Italy 57122 Telephone: 39-058-6250111 Telefax: 39-058-6250241

Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; shops are closed on Sunday and on special holidays. Recently, many shops have decided to open outside the above mentioned guidelines; however, they are not always consistent. Florence Doumo Pisa

Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience, but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.

Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Livorno (for Florence/Pisa) ®

building for the Medici family, the Uffizi is now home to Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Spring and Madonnas, along with the Annunciation and the Baptism of Christ by Leonardo da Vinci. It also houses the Medici Venus and other pieces of ancient Greek sculpture. Not far from the Uffizi is the Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge spanning the Arno. Goldsmiths and silversmiths long ago built their shops on the bridge and along the road leading up to it. On the far side of the river is the Pitti Palace, another large and rich gallery located alongside the delightful Boboli Gardens. The Pitti is home to no less than 11 masterpieces by Raphael, including the famous Madonna of the Chair. There are also stunning works by Filippo Lippi, Andrea del Sarto, Titian, Rubens, Veronese and Tintoretto. The Accademia appears somewhat small by comparison, but fans of Michelangelo will find it a unique treasure-house. His original David is here, alongside a fascinating sculpture series called the Captives. Intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, these unfinished sculptures appear to be struggling to liberate themselves from clinging marble. Pisa Although the city of Pisa seems rather small, it was once the mighty capital of a commercial republic. In the 11th-century, Pisa competed with Genoa and Venice for Mediterranean trade, and played an important part in the First Crusade.

Lucca Until the late 18th-century, Lucca was a small but totally independent state. The 16th-century walls are largely intact, making the city one of the best examples of Renaissance fortification in Europe. The interior of the city is also pleasant, since it is flat, not hilly, and because the old grid of Roman streets makes it easy to find your way. You can also see where the old Roman amphitheater stood at the Piazza del Mercato; the stones have all been taken for other buildings, but the oval shape remains. At one end of The Via Fillugo, near the Anfiteatro, is the colorful church of San Frediano, with 13th-century mosaics of the Ascension decorating the facade. This church was founded by a 6th century Irish monk, and was important in the life of the city’s patron, St. Zita. The cathedral of San Martino is a fine example of the PisanRomanesque style of the 11th-century, but is not entirely symmetrical. The complex decorations of the exterior include a series of 12 carvings called “Labors of the Month.” Inside is a wooden crucifix which was popular with medieval pilgrims. Nearby is the house where Giacomo Puccini was born, and today honors him as a small museum. San Gimignano If you want to know what the 14th-century looked like, come to San Gimignano, the town of the Fine Towers. Today’s distinctive skyline boasts 14 tall towers, but there were 76 at one time. In their day, each one represented a noble family’s stronghold against other factions in

the city. And of course the height of each tower represented a certain prestige, as well as a military edge. You’ll find 7 of them around the main square, including the oldest, on the Mayor’s Palace. The tallest today (175 feet) is at the Palace of the People, where you can get a fine view of the countryside. The cathedral here has some of the most elaborate frescoes in Italy, including works by Ghirlandaio, Bartolo di Fredi, and Lippo Memmi. Don’t miss the beautiful carvings by Jacopo della Quercia. The root of San Gimignano’s affluence was its location on the Pilgrims’ Road to Rome. All that changed in 1348 when the plague devastated the district. Pilgrims went elsewhere after that, and the town went into a steep decline. The old buildings stayed the way they were, since there was no money to replace them with more modern designs. Bad for them, lucky for us! Volterra Like many Tuscan hill towns, Volterra began as a typical Etruscan stronghold: a high plateau about an hour from the sea. Today the wealth of the fine artifacts in the local museum recalls that stunning culture. Some items look surprisingly modern. The central Piazza dei Priori is one of Italy’s finest squares, surrounded with austere palaces, and delightful shops. From the Palace of the Priors, there are good views of a well preserved Roman theater. Don’t neglect the local sculptures in translucent white alabaster...the descendants of the old Etruscans are not far away!

Places of Interest BATTISTERO (BAPTISTERY) Located in front of the Duomo, it is renowned for its magnificent bronze doors created by Ghiberti. CAMPANILE (BELL TOWER) This graceful tower designed by Giotto stands five stories high outside the Duomo. DUOMO (CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE) The Cathedral of Florence famed for its massive lanterned dome designed by Brunelleschi. GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI (UFFIZI GALLERY) One of the world’s most important art museums and home of countless masterpieces by such artists as Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli. GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA (ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS) Museum most famous for its collection of statues by Michelangelo, including the David. MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO (CATHEDRAL MUSEUM) Including works by Ghiberti, Donatello, and Michelangelo. PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA Center of Florentine political life where a copy of the Statue of David is displayed, along with original sculptures by Cellini. PONTE VECCHIO Florence’s most-famous bridge, which spans the Arno River. PALAZZO PITTI (PITTI PALACE) One of Florence’s largest and best palaces, it today houses four separate museums, including a vast collection of the powerful Medici family. SANTA CROCE CHURCH Fine example of Florentine gothic architecture. SANTA MARIA NOVELLA This distinct church houses several of Florences formost frescos, most notably Masaccio’s Trinity.

The best known buildings in Pisa are gathered around the “Field of Miracles,” the familiar trio of Cathedral, Baptistery and the Campanile or Bell Tower. This Campanile is the world-famous Leaning Tower, now inclined 14 feet to one side due to the settling of the subsoil.

SOME OF THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE

DOCKING Your Princess ship docks in Livorno. The dock is approximately two miles from the Livorno city center. Driving times are approximately 1 1⁄2 hours to Florence and 20 minutes to Pisa. SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that location to assist you. TAXIS Taxis are available pierside and throughout the city. Confirm your fare with driver before departing. TRAINS Trains are available to Florence and Pisa. Local currency will be needed for the fare. For more information, inquire at www.italiarail.com SHOPPING Window shopping is a delight in Florence. You’ll find good buys in:

Post Office: The Central Post Office in Livorno is located at Via Cairoli 12/16. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

PROPER ATTIRE Please wear proper attire ashore when planning to visit churches, cathedrals and other sacred places. Shorts for both men and women are considered improper. Women should also cover their bare arms. LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties Florentines are proud of their robust food. Recommended items include: Prosciutto crudo con fichi: This local favorite is an appealing appetizer of raw ham and fresh figs Pappardelle: A tasty pasta dish of broad noodles served in season with hare sauce Bistecca alla fiorentina: This usually mammoth-

sized, charcoal-grilled T-bone steak served with lemon is a specialty Cacciucco: Red mullet or other fish cooked in toma-

Leather: Gloves, belts, purses, wallets and boxes

toes, onion, garlic and red wine, served on croutons

of all shapes and sizes.

Zuccotto: A liqueur-soaked, chilled sponge and

Gold and Silver: Simple jewelry like gold or

chocolate cake

silver charms are quite reasonable. Also look for pill-boxes, napkin rings, photo frames, cruet sets, sugar bowls and candlesticks.

Drink Specialties - The local wine, Chianti, is red and light and can be drunk with almost anything. Other choice wines include:

Ceramics and Glassware: Ceramic ornaments

White Wines: Vernaccia di San Gimignano,

and innumerable statuettes for every taste Inlays and Mosaics: A Florentine specialty; look for small “pictures” of birds, flowers and landscapes; for trinkets, try the colorful, glass handmade mosaic broaches, pendants, bracelets and rings Candies: Bring home some Italian candied chest-

nuts, torrone (nougat), Siena biscuits or the famous Sienese panforte, a rich, chewy mixture of nuts and spiced candied fruits Strawwork: Attractive straw bags, sunhats and more Fashion: Florentine designers rival those of Paris and London The best places to shop are along the Ponte Vecchio and in the area around the church of Santa Croce.

PUBLIC SERVICES Banks: Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. and from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Museums: Hours vary. The Accademia and Uffizi

Gallery are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m.; closed on Mondays. The Museo Dell Opera is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

The fame of the Tower, however, shouldn’t distract you from the overall beauty of the other buildings, which are built in the highly original Pisan style. Note the tiers of arcades, together with geometrical decorations based on lozenge shapes. The beautifully decorated cemetery, or Campo Santo, contains 53 cartloads of earth that the Crusaders brought from Jerusalem. It is said that Galileo, a native of Pisa, used the Cathedral to study the movement of the pendulum, and the Leaning Tower to work out his laws of gravity and acceleration.

Practical Information

Shops: The majority of shops in Florence are open

an excellent dry wine; Montecarlo, and Bianco del-l’Elba, a mellower wine Vinsanto: A small glass of this deep amber-colored sweet “holy wine” is the perfect end to a meal.

It is always recommended that you drink bottled water while in port. TIPPING Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service. SOME USEFUL WORDS Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . Si No . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Please . . . . . . . . . . Per favore Thank you . . . . . Grazie Good morning . . Buon giorno PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS In case of emergency while you are ashore, please contact:

William Shepherd S.R.L. Via del Marzocco 25 Livorno, Italy 57122 Telephone: 39-058-6250111 Telefax: 39-058-6250241

Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; shops are closed on Sunday and on special holidays. Recently, many shops have decided to open outside the above mentioned guidelines; however, they are not always consistent. Florence Doumo Pisa

Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience, but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.

Livorno (for Florence/Pisa)

livorno_SHXPRTGDE_0001

ITALY AT A GLANCE

SIZE: 116,303 square miles, about the size of Florida and Georgia combined POPULATION: 57,772,000, about one-fourth the U.S. population LANGUAGE: Italian CAPITAL: Rome TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Republic CURRENCY: Euro, formerly

Italian Lira TIME ZONE: GMT +2

ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE

This is your guide to Livorno, specially prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide is intended to assist you if you are on a shore excursion, touring independently or doing both.

Please note that the information provided is general in nature and is subject to change.

L I V O R N O

®

Adventures Ashore Port Guide

for FLORENCE /PISA

Just off the square is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s finest museums, with representative works of nearly every Renaissance master. Originally designed as an administrative

Not far from the Cathedral is the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of political life in Florence. In the square are a monument to Cosimo di Medici and the Fountain of Neptune. The impressive Old Palace served as the government center for the city. In front of the palace are copies of Michelangelo’s David and Donatello’s Florentine Lion, as well as the wonderful Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.

Outside the Duomo is Giotto’s graceful Campanile or Bell Tower, with classical straight lines that contrast with the curves of the dome. In front of the cathedral is the Baptistery, decorated with white and green marble. The inner dome is decorated with fine mosaics of the 13thcentury. The magnificent doors present scenes from the Bible sculpted on a series of bronze panels. Even Michelangelo considered the East Doors, done by artist Lorenzo Ghiberti, so beautiful that he named them the Gates of Paradise.

Brunelleschi built the huge, lanterned dome using a revolutionary method that was later copied for St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. The roof is supported by high gothic vaulting, and the interior of the dome is adorned with a fresco of the Last Supper and beautiful stained glass. In the Cathedral Museum is a Pieta created by Michelangelo at the age of 80, which he left unfinished; the face on Nicodemus is Michelangelo’s own.

It is this Cathedral, the Duomo, that symbolizes the wealth and power of Florence in its golden age. It took 14 years to build, and was paid for entirely by the clothmakers’ guild. The facade is decorated with multi-colored marble in pleasant geometric shapes.

Livorno: A Virtual Crossroads of Historic Empires and Infamous Shadows of Stature

Livorno, or “Leghorn,” is the principal town in the province of the same name, which lies in the region called Tuscany. Italy’s third-largest seaport, Livorno serves as your gateway to the cities of Florence and Pisa.

Tuscany gets its name from the ancient Etruscans, who settled the region. The Etruscans were a hard, warlike people whose origin is still uncertain. They were the first civilized people in Italy to build cities, establish trade, develop a code of law, and create high-quality artwork.

Although the Etruscan state was defeated by the Romans and incorporated into their empire, Tuscans as a people continued to thrive in the region, enjoying life and creating things of beauty. The pinnacle of their civilization was the Italian Renaissance, one of the great cultural explosions in the world’s history.

Lasting from the early 14th-century until the end of the 16th-century, the Renaissance – which means “rebirth”– was a revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture and institutions. Tuscan families like the Medici had a prosperous trade with the eastern Mediterranean and a great surplus of wealth, which they used to support artists and decorate their homes and churches in the new style.

A revival of interest in science and travel led to more curiosity about the world outside Europe; the great voyages of Columbus and the other explorers followed.

Florence More than any other place, Florence, which means “the Flowering,” is the jewel of the Renaissance. From the Piazzale Michelangelo there is a splendid panorama of the skyline. It is easy to pick out the pointed tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Cathedral’s massive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.