Pisa began life as a seaport that could channel trade of the rich farming inland and became a sea power aligned with Genoa.  They drove the Saracens out of Sardinia and sacked Palermo which was in the control of the Muslims.  By the 15th Century it had lost its seaport status due to silt deposits from the Arno River.  The complete and interesting history can be found here:  <https://www.britannica.com/place/Pisa-Italy>.  We rode the bus inland to see the famous tower and church of Pisa.  Both of us had been to Pisa when the tower had no handrails and people could walk around on all levels for free. It was interesting to see the changes. Now there is a 20 euro fee to go on the tower and only 40 people can be on it at any given time.  Also people can only go outside on the top two levels where handrails have been installed.

Diagram of the Fortress,

The second day in  Livorno, we decided to ride the shuttle bus into town. That didn’t last long because the roads were shut down by a marathon.  As if to test our will, it started to rain hard. We had to get out of the bus or sit there for three hours.  We went to the old fortress and learned what the Medici family did to Livorno and the history of the 4 Moors.

Medici’s role in Livorno:  <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livorno>

Story of the 4 Moors:  <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_of_the_Four_Moors>

View of the Fortress of Livorno from the city,.

Once you enter there is a restaurant coffee shop.  No one today due to the steady rain.