The church was commissioned by the Dominican friars and remains one of the few examples of Baroque central-plan architecture in Livorno.
The interior holds a painting by the renowned Renaissance artist Giorgio Vasari, titled the Coronation of the Virgin, dating back to the 16th century.
The massive dome was designed to be visible from the sea, serving as a beacon for sailors and merchants entering the Port of Livorno.
The church was constructed on a site that previously hosted a smaller wooden structure before the permanent masonry building was completed in 1720.
The surrounding Piazza dei Domenicani is situated within the Venezia Nuova district, which was modeled after Venetian urban planning with a network of canals.
The Chiesa di Santa Caterina, also known as the Chiesa dei Domenicani, is a prominent 18th-century Baroque church located in the Venezia Nuova district of Livorno. It is defined by its massive octagonal dome, which is one of the most recognizable features of the city's skyline. Designed by the architect Giovanni Battista Foggini, the church features a central plan that reflects the intellectual influence of the Dominican order. The interior houses significant artworks, including an altarpiece by Giorgio Vasari depicting the Coronation of the Virgin. Following historical damage, the building underwent extensive restoration to preserve its structural integrity and interior frescoes. It serves as a vital historical anchor within the historic canal district.
From the adjacent canal bank, capturing the reflection of the church's octagonal dome in the water.
Visit during the early afternoon to see the light streaming through the high windows, which illuminates the interior artwork.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the surrounding Venezia Nuova canals for a full architectural context of the area.
Look for the smaller, less-visited side chapels which often contain detailed 18th-century stucco work.
Do not mistake it for the nearby modern churches; ensure you are at the octagonal structure in the historic canal district.
May have limited access during local religious feast days or private ceremonies.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain a quiet, respectful tone inside the sanctuary.
