Casini di Ardenza: overlook the scenic seafront of Livorno, along Viale Italia. In the 19th century Livorno became a famous summer destination sought after by the national and international bourgeoisie, particularly the English. The first bathing establishments in Italy were built right here, the building hosted wealthy tourists of various nationalities (mostly English) and was also inhabited by the Grand Duke Leopold II and his court; therefore they are also called Casini Granducali.
It was designed (and completed in 1845) in the neoclassical style then in vogue in Livorno by the architect Giuseppe Cappellini, famous above all for having designed the Goldoni Theater in Livorno. The Casini (which means stately country residence intended for leisure) are made up of 13 buildings united in a single building (for a total of 322 rooms) arranged in the shape of an omega flanked by two lateral wings and overlooking the promenade love. The main facade is characterized by a large pediment and Ionic columns, and the lateral structures show a portico with elegant Tuscan-style sandstone columns. The complex included a ballroom, a restaurant, gaming and billiard rooms, stables and an English park at the back.