The Piazza Grande is one of the main squares in the center of Livorno. The most important buildings in the square are the Cathedral and the Palazzo Grande.
Piazza Grande Livorno
History and Description
Originally constructed in 1594, the “Grand Square” used to live up to its name even better, since until World War II it was twice the size it is now. The square was then divided in two by the construction of the Palazzo Grande. The part on the south side of this palace is now called Piazza del Municipio.
Several architects, including Buontalenti, collaborated on the project. The Englishman Inigo Jones would later use his knowledge gained in the construction of the square in the construction of London’s Covent Garden.
Sights in Piazza Grande Livorno
Cathedral
The main building in the Piazza Grande is the Duomo. Built between 1594 and 1606, this cathedral is dedicated to San Francesco and houses a number of works of art that survived the bombings. The architects were Pieroni and Cantagallina.
Palazzo Grande
The Palazzo Grande is located opposite the cathedral. This was once a theater, but has now been converted into a large cinema complex. It was completely rebuilt after the Second World War.
Porticoes
The surviving porticoes in the square were designed by Alessandro Pieroni in the 17th century.
Piazza del Municipio
The Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo Granducale and the Palazzo della Dogana, which all used to flank the Piazza Grande, are now in the Piazza del Municipio.