Chiesa Evangelica Valdese (Waldensian Evangelical Church), Livorno

The Waldensian Evangelical Church in Livorno, originally built for the Scottish Presbyterian community, is situated in the city center on Verdi Street, close to the ancient English cemetery and the former Cinema Odeon. The British presence in Livorno dates back to at least the 17th century, with most early settlers being Anglican. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Anglican Church of San Giorgio was constructed, serving the community from 1839 to 1844 near the English cemetery.

However, following the 1843 schism within the Church of Scotland, which led to the formation of the Free Church of Scotland, a growing Scottish Presbyterian community required its place of worship. A new church was constructed between 1845 and 1849 near the English cemetery. Designed by Edinburgh architect Rumball and built by local craftsmen, the building was designed to resemble a palace, avoiding any religious architectural elements that might provoke the Catholic clergy.

The Scottish Presbyterians used the church until the early 20th century, later establishing a new chapel at the now-defunct Seamen's Institute for sailors arriving in Livorno. In 1911, the Waldensian Evangelical Church, present in Livorno since 1861, acquired the building after their original temple near Piazza Manin proved insufficient.

The church is characterized by its neo-Gothic architecture, with three ogival doors and pointed arch windows. The eastern side once featured a garden, but this was transformed in the 1950s into an entrance for the Odeon Cinema. Inside, the church features a large rectangular hall with tall ogival windows that extend to the upper floors. The original church was adorned with polychrome stained glass windows and a significant organ, both of which were destroyed during World War II air raids. The building now houses rooms for church activities on the ground floor, with residential apartments occupying the upper floors.