Old English Cemetery
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Old English Cemetery

5
·1 reviews·Livorno, Italy

Italy's oldest English & Protestant cemetery in the Mediterranean, a rare glimpse into historical expatriate life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Rarely announced open days

Access is limited, plan ahead!

CrowdLow
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Old English Cemetery

Old English Cemetery

Best Time

Rarely announced open days

Access is limited, plan ahead!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Italy's oldest English & Protestant cemetery in the Mediterranean, a rare glimpse into historical expatriate life.

5
(1 reviews)

"A historically significant site, but access is extremely limited and visits are rare."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check for Open Days

Access is restricted; look for infrequent public opening dates or guided tours. :calendar:

Respectful Exploration

Tread lightly and be mindful of the historic tombstones. :pray:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of Tobias Smollett

Tomb of Tobias Smollett

Within the cemetery grounds

Visit the final resting place of the Scottish novelist and historian, a significant figure in 18th-century literature.

Historic Protestant Burial Ground

Historic Protestant Burial Ground

The entire cemetery

Explore Italy's oldest existing English and Protestant cemetery in the Mediterranean, a unique historical enclave.

Architectural Remnants

Architectural Remnants

Cemetery perimeter

Observe the remnants of this historically significant site, including the nearby Anglican Church of San Giorgio.

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Planning Your Visit

Limited Access & Rare Openings

The Old English Cemetery is often closed to the public. Visits are rare and not widely publicized, so check for specific event dates or guided tours well in advance. Planning is key to experiencing this historic site.

Preservation Efforts & Respectful Visits

This historic cemetery requires careful preservation. If you're lucky enough to visit, be mindful of the delicate tombstones. Some visitors have noted cleaning efforts, emphasizing the need for gentle exploration.

Best Times

When
Rarely announced open days
Why
Access is limited, plan ahead!
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝑴𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒐 𝑨. 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒇𝒇 🕯🪦 23 Maggio 1924 Dispongo di pennelli, panno, spazzolini e acqua distillata, ho pulito la lapide come ho potuto ma purtroppo lo sporco nella parte centrale era molto ostinato, ho anche dimenticato i guanti a casa ma tranquilli che avevo dietro il gel disinfettante e mi sono lavata le mani subito dopo. #cimitero #cimiteri #tomba #tombe #memoria #ricordo #tombeabbandonate #ne...
@beccamorta
111.7K likes • 1.9M views

Check for Open Days

Access is restricted; look for infrequent public opening dates or guided tours. :calendar:

Respectful Exploration

Tread lightly and be mindful of the historic tombstones. :pray:

La città più bella der mondo - LIVORNO
@steve.spuntino
12.9K likes • 133.5K views
“A chain of births and deaths unites centuries…” this old English cemetery near Warwick makes a perfect location for a song about the awakening of ancient souls and the Wheel of Sansara, stretching our memories across the ages… #imperialage #powermetal #symphonicmetal #metal
imperialage
558 likes • 13.2K views

Research Historical Context

Understand its significance as Italy's oldest English/Protestant cemetery. :books:

Photography Opportunities

Capture the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of the solemnity. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check for Open Days

Access is restricted; look for infrequent public opening dates or guided tours. :calendar:

Respectful Exploration

Tread lightly and be mindful of the historic tombstones. :pray:

Research Historical Context

Understand its significance as Italy's oldest English/Protestant cemetery. :books:

Photography Opportunities

Capture the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of the solemnity. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

5
(1 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Old English Cemetery is a historically significant site, noted as Italy's oldest English and Protestant cemetery in the Mediterranean. However, its primary drawback is its extremely limited public access, with visits only possible on rare, unpublicized occasions. Those who manage to visit appreciate its historical depth and unique atmosphere.

"Opened shortly before the mid-17th century outside the ancient Buonatalenti walls, it was for a long time the only English and Protestant cemetery in Italy and plausibly remains the oldest – with these characteristics – still existing in the entire Mediterranean area.
Replaced in 1839 by the new cemetery built outside Porta San Marco, along what is now Via Mastacchi (just as construction work began opposite its entrance on the Anglican Church of San Giorgio, a fine neoclassical building by the Livorno architect Angiolo della Valle (Livorno, 1812–1871)), it houses the tomb of the Scottish novelist and historian Tobias Smollett (1721–1771), and its fame, at the time, was such that even the family of the celebrated poet Percy Bysshe Shelley attempted in vain to have him buried there. Significantly reduced in size by partial dismantling carried out after the Second World War, it is unfortunately closed to the public and visits are possible only on rare occasions, which are also little publicised."

Gianni Schiavon

What People Like

Historical significance
Unique atmosphere
Literary connections

What People Dislike

Very limited access
Rarely open to public

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old English Cemetery is located outside the historic city walls of Livorno. While specific public transport details are scarce due to its limited access, it's generally situated near the area where the new cemetery was built in 1839, along Via Mastacchi. It's advisable to check local transport maps for buses serving that general vicinity. Taxis are also an option for direct access if you can arrange a visit.

Parking near historic cemeteries can be challenging. If you are driving, research parking options in the vicinity of Via Mastacchi. Be aware that the cemetery itself is often closed, so driving there might only be feasible if you have a confirmed visit or are exploring the surrounding historical area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Old English Cemetery is unfortunately closed to the public for most of the year. Visits are only possible on rare, often unpublicized occasions. It's crucial to research specific event dates or guided tours in advance.

Information on opening days is scarce and not widely publicized. Your best bet is to check local Livorno cultural heritage websites, historical society pages, or inquire with local tourist information centers for any scheduled events or rare access opportunities.

As visits are rare and often part of special events or guided tours, there might be a fee associated with those specific occasions. However, for general access (which is rare), information on fees is not readily available. It's best to confirm when booking or inquiring about a visit.

Private tours are not commonly advertised. Your best approach would be to contact local historical societies or cultural organizations in Livorno to see if they can arrange a special visit or provide information on potential private tour operators.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Some visitors have shared beautiful atmospheric shots online,Instagram suggesting it's a photogenic location. Ensure your photography doesn't disturb the peace or damage any historical elements.

The tombstones themselves, especially the more ornate or historic ones like Tobias Smollett's, offer compelling subjects. The overall atmosphere of a historic, often overgrown cemetery can be very evocative. Look for interesting light and shadow play, particularly during softer light hours if access permits.

🎫 📜 History & Significance

The Old English Cemetery is significant as it was opened shortly before the mid-17th century and served as the only English and Protestant cemetery in Italy for a long time. It is plausibly the oldest cemetery of its kind still existing in the Mediterranean area, housing notable figures like Tobias Smollett.

The cemetery is the final resting place for many English and Protestant individuals. Most notably, it houses the tomb of the Scottish novelist and historian Tobias Smollett (1721–1771). It's also known that the family of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley attempted to have him buried there.

No, the cemetery was significantly reduced in size after the Second World War due to partial dismantling. This means the original extent of the burial ground is not fully preserved.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For history buffs, the Old English Cemetery is a must-see, albeit a challenging one to access. Its status as Italy's oldest English and Protestant cemetery in the Mediterranean makes it a site of considerable historical importance. Researching the lives of those buried here, particularly Tobias Smollett, can enrich your understanding of the era and the expatriate communities in Livorno. Reddit

Be prepared for the limited access by checking for any special event dates or guided tours well in advance. The cemetery's reduced size due to post-war dismantling adds another layer to its historical narrative, prompting reflection on preservation and the passage of time. The nearby Anglican Church of San Giorgio also offers a complementary historical perspective.

Photographers Seeking Atmosphere

Photographers looking for atmospheric and historically rich locations will find the Old English Cemetery compelling, provided they can gain access. The ancient tombstones, the sense of history, and the potential for evocative shots make it a unique subject. While specific details on photography rules are scarce, respectful shooting is paramount. Instagram

Focus on capturing the textures of the old stones, the play of light and shadow, and the overall solemn ambiance. Remember that access is rare, so if you are fortunate enough to visit, make the most of the opportunity to capture its unique character while being mindful of the site's historical significance and fragility.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Livorno's Past

The Old English Cemetery in Livorno holds a unique place in Italian history, serving as a testament to the presence of foreign communities in the region. Opened around the mid-17th century, it was established as the sole English and Protestant burial ground in Italy for a considerable period. Its historical significance is underscored by its status as potentially the oldest cemetery of its kind still operational within the Mediterranean basin. The cemetery's fame was such that even the family of the renowned poet Percy Bysshe Shelley sought, unsuccessfully, to have him interred there, highlighting its prestige at the time. Reddit

Despite its historical importance, the cemetery has faced challenges. It was eventually replaced in 1839 by a new cemetery outside Porta San Marco. Post-World War II, its size was considerably reduced due to partial dismantling, altering its original footprint. This history contributes to its current state of limited access, making any visit a special occasion. Reddit

For those interested in historical preservation and unique cultural sites, the Old English Cemetery offers a poignant glimpse into Livorno's past. While direct access is rare, its story is deeply intertwined with the city's development and its connections to international communities. The presence of figures like Tobias Smollett adds a literary dimension to its historical narrative.

Navigating Limited Access and Preservation

Visiting the Old English Cemetery requires a different approach than most tourist attractions due to its restricted access. It is unfortunately closed to the public for the majority of the year, with visits only permitted on rare, often unpublicized occasions. This means that spontaneous visits are unlikely to be successful. Travelers keen to explore this historic site must actively seek out information regarding specific open days or any organized guided tours. Reddit

When opportunities arise, visitors are reminded of the delicate nature of the cemetery. While some have undertaken cleaning efforts, as seen in a TikTok video,TikTok the emphasis should always be on preservation. The tombstones are ancient and fragile, and any exploration should be conducted with the utmost respect. This includes avoiding touching or leaning on the monuments and refraining from any actions that could cause damage. The goal is to appreciate the history without compromising its integrity for future generations. TikTok

For those who manage to gain access, the experience can be deeply rewarding. It offers a unique chance to connect with a significant piece of Livorno's history and the broader narrative of foreign communities in Italy. The limited access, while challenging, also adds to the exclusivity and special nature of any visit, making it a memorable encounter with the past.

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