We already know that Livorno has a Venice, so what about a “San Marco” (Saint Mark), with his winged lion?This is the other quarter resulting from the urbanization of part of the “Fortezza Nuova” during the first decades of the 17th century. “Porta San Marco” (Saint Mark Gate) is one of the few gates still standing after the demolition the Leopoldine Walls.
The first railway station of Livorno, was built here in 1840: it was the terminus of the “Leopolda” Railway to Pisa and Florence. The “Leopolda”, then “San Marco”, was the main station of Livorno until “Livorno Centrale” was built in 1910. Its building still stands just outside the gate, almost completely abandoned.
Through the gate, now a pedestrian zone, you can see the whole length of “Via Solferino” straight to the “Fortezza Nuova”. In 1849 the Austrians, after a short siege, broke through the city walls through a breach here, despite a strenuous defence by the brave Livornesi.See also: The Austrians Are Coming
12 comments:
It's a beautiful gate, full of history and it looks like it's a nice place for a stroll.
I love the gate, great that it was saved!
Such an elegant gate. Thanks for the history, too.
Great! The entrance gate looks beautiful..
Roarrrr! says the Lion! King of the forest and king of the Porta San Marco! Bravo! Great shot - grazie!
The lion has very "human" eyes and expression.
Very neat gate. I love the close-up on the lion in the first picture. He's quite impressive.
Gorgeous...and you're so full of fascinating historical tidbits! Don't ever quit!
It's just too bad the wall had to be demolished. I'll bet St. Mark is ticked off!
A majestic gate. The train station is also impressive.
I like your blog very much.
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Have a glorious day in your city and thank you for your blog.
Great set of photos, it really builds up nicely to the last one which is my favorite with the stones and San Marco and the city showing thru the gates. But w/o the 1st 2 it would not have the same impact. (the mane on the lion is fabulous)
I'm just glad for Livorno that a part of the wall and gate still stands. It's a magnificent piece of history.
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