Chiesa della Madonna

The Church of Our Lady in Livorno preserves the history of the city's international trading communities. Its side altars, dedicated to different nations, reflect the cosmopolitan character of the Medici free port.

Why it matters

Formally dedicated to Saints Maria, Giulia and Francesco, the church was designed by Alessandro Pieroni and begun in 1607. Its altars for foreign communities are an unusual record of the merchant groups that settled in Livorno and worshipped here. The church remains in the care of the Friars Minor.

What to notice

The nave's altars form a map of the port's communities. The French altar holds Matteo Rosselli's Saint Louis; the Corsican altar has a Saint John the Evangelist by Francesco Curradi; and the Dutch-German altar contains a Martyrdom of Saint Andrew attributed to Domenico Pugliani. A black crucifix attributed to Ferdinando Tacca belongs to the Inghirami altar. The church also preserves paintings of the life of Saint Anthony by Alberico Carlini.

Context and history

Construction began in 1607, and the church was consecrated in 1638 after an expansion. Its bell tower was completed in 1645. The building suffered wartime damage and its façade was refaced in marble during postwar repairs. A major restoration was completed in 2013. The church stands near the historic merchant district of Venezia Nuova.