The cathedral was partially rebuilt after the 1943-1944 Allied bombings decimated the original 17th-century structure.
The original design is credited to Alessandro Pieroni, a student of the famous architect Bernardo Buontalenti.
The cathedral is home to a painting of St. Francis of Assisi by Domenico Cresti, known as Il Passignano.
The building serves as the Co-Cathedral of the Diocese of Livorno.
It preserves a wooden crucifix from the 17th century that was salvaged from the ruins after the WWII bombardment.
The cathedral sits on the site of a smaller church that existed before the city's urban expansion under the Medici.
The Cattedrale di San Francesco, officially the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, serves as the main place of worship in Livorno and the seat of the Bishop of Livorno. Originally constructed between 1594 and 1606 based on designs by Alessandro Pieroni, the structure underwent significant reconstruction following extensive damage during the bombing raids of World War II. The current building represents a modern reconstruction that incorporates original architectural elements while housing historic artworks saved from the wartime destruction. Its facade is characterized by a colonnaded portico that spans the width of the building, facing the expansive Piazza Grande. The interior houses important paintings, including works attributed to Domenico Cresti and Jacopo Ligozzi. The cathedral remains an active ecclesiastical center, functioning as the primary parish for the city's Catholic community.
From the center of Piazza Grande looking directly at the main portico to capture the symmetry of the facade.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to experience the interior when the light hits the stained glass.
Take time to walk the perimeter of Piazza Grande to view the cathedral's relationship with the city's modern administrative buildings.
Maintain a quiet demeanor, as the cathedral is a functioning place of worship for the local community.
Attempting to enter for sightseeing during scheduled mass services or funeral ceremonies.
Modest dress required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Hats should be removed upon entry.
