Chiesa San Benedetto (Church of San Benedetto), Livorno

The Church of San Benedetto in Livorno stands at the edge of September XX Square (Piazza XX Settembre), just outside the pentagonal city layout designed by Buontalenti. Built between 1817 and 1819, the church was designed by architect Gaspero Pampaloni and funded by a generous bequest from merchant Benedetto Fagiuoli. It is significant as the first major example of Restoration neoclassicism in Livorno and the first church constructed in the city's urban area in many years.

In 1860, the bell tower was added, and the rectory was expanded beyond its original single-story design. Surrounding the church, architect Pasquale Poccianti proposed a grand, tree-lined square to complement the building. Although his vision was scaled down, the square was created with an elongated shape that stretched toward Via di Salviano. Today, the center of the square features a monument to Leopold II, which was relocated here in the 1950s.

The church's façade features a prominent portico with eight Ionic columns and a large attic—a later addition not part of Pampaloni's original design. Its side elevations, accented by exedras and semicircular windows, evoke the grand architectural forms of ancient Roman baths. Inside, the church's Greek cross plan is defined by four sturdy pillars supporting the coffered central vault. The interior boasts several works by 19th-century Livorno artists, including Paolo Emilio Demi's stucco angels in the central vault and notable paintings by Gazzarrini and Carlo Chelli.

One of the church's treasures is its pipe organ, built by Nicomede Agati in 1843. Featuring a mechanical transmission, a single 54-note keyboard, and a 12-note pedal board, the instrument was once used by the renowned composer Pietro Mascagni during his youth.