Duomo di Livorno (Livorno Cathedral), Livorno

The Livorno Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Mary Mother of Jesus, and Julia of Corsica. Julia, a patron saint of Livorno, was martyred in Cosica by Vandals in the 5th century. The cathedral is within the Buontalenti Pentagon on the south side of the Main Square (Piazza Grande).

Construction began in 1581. The facade is plain. The lower half has a porch with three arches supported by four Doric columns. The upper part of the facade has a central rectangular window within a recessed arch. Arches on either side are filled in and framed with pilasters. Restorations were made after World War II.

The original church had a rectangular plan with a single nave. It was changed to a cross plan when two chapels were added in 1716. The left chapel is dedicated to the Eucharist (the Christian service in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed). The right chapel, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was built in 1727.

The Livorno Cathedral was almost destroyed, by Allied bombs, in World War II. It was rebuilt close to the original, except for the additions to the facade and transepts. The cathedral was reconsecrated in 1952.

When visiting the cathedral, make sure you see the painting "Christ Crowned with Thorns" by the early renaissance Italian painter Fra Angelico in the Chapel of the Eucharist. Fra Angelico is described, by the famous Italian art historian Giorgio Vasari, as having "a rare and perfect talent." He is known for his beautiful fresco paintings.