A few kilometers from Livorno on a low hill is the town of Montenero with the Sanctuary of the same name, erected to preserve a picture of the Madonna found by a shepherd in the 14th Century and held to be miraculous. Inside are the tombs of various illustrious Livorno citizens.
Aside from the artistic merits of the Sanctuary itself and of making a pilgrimage there, a visit to the hypogeum caves and the monastery’s pharmacy and collection of votive offerings is also recommended.
Continuing along the coast to the south towards Piombino are towns of varying interest, and the route is studded with rectories, monasteries, castles and forts. Towards the interior lies the hilly landscape typical of Tuscany in which cypress trees stand erect for all to see.