Jewish Treasures of Tuscany from Livorno

This look into Tuscany’s fascinating Jewish history begins in the port town of Livorno and proceeds to Florence for all the highlights of the Renaissance city, including The Great Synagogue.

 

A NOTE ABOUT DRIVING TIMES
Livorno-Florence, 75 minutes.
 

DETAILS: JEWISH TREASURES OF TUSCANY from Livorno

Livorno

In all of Tuscany few places can boast such an important Jewish story as Livorno. The early development of the city was intricately tied to the Jewish population, making it an important part of the city’s past and present.

The Jewish population in Livorno dates back to about 1600, when the Medici family was promoting the city’s growth by offering progressive religious freedoms and social rights to settlers. You’ll learn all about Livorno’s Jewish history at the Yeshivà Marini museum, where we will spend about an hour on a private, guided tour. The morning concludes with a guided visit of the synagogue, an interesting modern structure which incorporates some of the furnishings and elements of the original synagogue destroyed during WWII.

Florence

Around noon, after about an hour’s drive from Livorno, we’ll arrive in Piazzale Michelangelo where you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Florence from up high. A visit to the Accademia gallery is optional, where you can get up close to Michelangelo’s stupendous marble sculpture of David to view the stones he is holding in his hand as he contemplates his legendary meeting with Goliath.  

The Great Synagogue, integrating both Italian and Moorish architectural styles, is next. The interior, completely adorned with mosaics and frescoes, is sure to impress, especially when juxtaposed against stories of how the structure was used by German troops during the war.

We’ll stop briefly at the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, which has a huge star of David in its 19th century facade.  Jewish architect Nicolò Matas was commissioned by the Franciscans to design the facade and is buried under the landing at the top of the exterior stairs.

As time permits we’ll fill out the day as you like.  Choose from the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria or other highlights of your choosing.

 
JEWISH TREASURES OF TUSCANY from Livorno
DURATION: 9 hrs

OTHER COSTS & NOTES
The following rates for optional items that we book for you are valid if you pay in cash, and reflect 10% off the full rates that apply when paying by card or Paypal.