Fanfara dei Carabinieri

Going further backward in time, before the ball in Piazza della Repubblica, there was a concert of the “Fanfara dei Carabinieri” (Carabinieri's brass band), with the traditional 1816 uniforms.The Carabinieri, created by the King of Savoy in 1814, long before the Italian unification, were modeled on the French Gendarmerie, with similar duties.If you like band music, check the Carabinieri website and download (free of charge) any mp3 you wish of their most famous concerts. You can find national anthems, “Strangers in the Night”, “White Christmas”, “Star Wars”, opera themes and Neapolitan songs.

See also: The Austrians Are Coming - Shall We Dance? - Balliamo

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Balliamo?

[Photos by VP]

This is the second part of the “Gran Ballo risorgimentale” (Grand Ball of the Risorgimento) in Piazza della Repubblica. The ball was organized by the Livorno chapter of the “Società di Danza” (Dance Society) with guest dancers from other italian cities and from Prague.
See also: The Austrians Are Coming - Shall We Dance? - Fanfara dei Carabinieri

Versione italiana

Shall We Dance?

[Photos by Trillian]

Just before the “occupation” in Piazza della Repubblica took place a “Gran Ballo risorgimentale” (Grand Ball of the Risorgimento). This ball was organized by the Livorno chapter of the “Società di Danza” (Dance Society) with guest dancers from other italian cities and from Prague.
We'll cover this event with two posts, this is the first part with photos by Trillian.

See also: The Austrians Are Coming - Balliamo - Fanfara dei Carabinieri

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The Austrians Are Coming

Today is the 160th anniversary of the unsuccessful popular defence of Livorno during the Austrian invasion of Tuscany in 1849. Last Saturday a picturesque historical re-enacting of the fighting took place in our streets.
Some brave Livornesi literally fly (see the one on the left) to fight the invaders breaking into the city walls through a breach near “Porta San Marco” (Saint Mark Gate).
The Livornesi are outnumbred: the Austrians are many, strong, disciplined and otrageously well dressed.
Everything comes to an end with a last enchange of gunfire in “Piazza della Repubblica”, then the occupation begins.

See also: Shall We Dance? - Balliamo - Fanfara dei Carabinieri

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Santa Caterina

The church of “Santa Caterina” is the heart of the “Venezia Nuova” (New Venice) quarter, developed around 1629 destroying a significant part of the “Fortezza Nuova”. “Santa Caterina” was built in 1720 by the architect Giovanni Del Fantasia, but in 1746 the dome had to be enclosed in the tambour for reasons of stability. The exterior of the church is now devoid of the ornamental stone covering, giving to the building a not very appealing look. This is where “Via della Madonna” ends, the dome of “Santa Caterina” is clearly visible from the other end of the street.
The white building (on the left of the church in the first image) is the old “Domenicani” prison, so called because it was built as a monastery for the Dominican Order in 1716. After the inmates were transferred to a new facility in the 80's, the building was completely renovated and is still awaiting a new destination.

See also: Inside Santa Caterina

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I Dynasty

The 59-meter (194 feet) “I Dynasty” entering the port after some trials at sea. It was built in the Benetti shipyard of Livorno with an aluminium superstructure on a steel hull. The yacht was launched in May 2008, carries the Cayman Islands flag and has as port of registry George Town.I am not so fond of these yachts as toys for billionaires, but because they are the last boats built in our historical shipyards: beautiful and technologically advanced, these are our Ferraris.

See also: Superyachts - I Dynasty, in Norway - Giorgio Armani's Yacht - Imagination & Illusion - Prince Abdulaziz - Bistango & Reborn - Octopus - Bistango
External links: Benetti Yachts

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Collision Course

During a competition this rowboat literally encountered a problem. With a little help from bystanders they were able to continue, reaching the second place. Boats and crews, one for each “rione” (quarter) of Livorno, are engaged is a series of minor rowing competitions leading to the top of the season: the “Palio Marinaro” taking place every year in July in the waters in front of the Terrazza Mascagni. These female rowers are from my “rione”, Benci Centro, which is nicknamed “Ovo sodo” (Hard boiled egg) for its colours: yellow and white. With its ten oars boat (the real thing) “Ovo sodo” won the “Palio” eight times, dominating the last three years.