Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fort), Livorno (must see)

Countess Matilda, Margrave of Tuscany in the 11th century, built a tower called the Keep of Countess Matilda. The tower was later incorporated into a fort built by the city of Pisa in 1377 called the Quadrature of the Pisans. These two structures were later the foundation of a new castle built by the Medici family, known now as the Old Fort.

Cosimo I de Medici started building the Old Fort in 1519. It was completed in 1534. The church of Saint Francis was built in the fortress in 1530. It was here, in 1606, that the ceremony proclaiming Livorno as a "city" took place.

There are three bastions and two gates. The landside bastion is called Ampolletta. The portside bastion is called Canaviglia. In the northeast is Capitana.

For centuries, the Old Fort has dominated the city skyline and is an iconic symbol of Livorno.

The Medici family made numerous modifications to the fort until the end of their dynasty in 1737. More changes were made during the Napoleonic era and later in the 19th century. Today, the Old Fort is managed by the Livorno Port Authority. The fort is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 8 pm. Admission is free.