The Venice quarter is the most charming and picturesque part of the city. Designed in the seventeenth century as an island crossed by a network of navigable canals and numerous bridges, it has preserved its original characteristics. The home of the wealthiest merchants, it soon became the heart of Livorno’s economy and the site of the main foreign consulates.

Building work began in 1629, and Venetian master builders were engaged for its construction. The layout of the quarter was designed to give merchants the greatest ease of movement to the port. Goods travelled on barges to and from the various warehouses along the network of canals. Special stone-paved slopes, known as scalandroni, led from the roads to the water’s edge.

Its original aspect and many attractive restaurants make it an extremely popular area. At the beginning of August, the quarter is host to “Effetto Venezia”, a traditional festival with shows, concerts, street artists, market stalls and boat rides along the canals.