Fosso Reale, Historic moat in Livorno, Italy.

Fosso Reale is a moat, not a canal, that originally followed the perimeter of Livorno's fortified pentagonal city. It was dug from 1577 under Francesco I de' Medici, with work directed by Claudio Cogorano, and completed by 1609 under Cosimo II. In the 19th century part of it was covered by a large vault, creating piazza della Repubblica at street level.

The canal's construction began in 1577 under Medici rule to protect the city and enhance its harbor. After decades of work, the project reached its final form in 1609.

The banks are lined with palaces that reflect different periods of the city's development. These structures show how wealthy families built their homes along the waterway and shaped the character of the port district.

The canal is best explored by boat, with regular tours departing from various points along the waterway. The best time to visit is during good weather when you can see the architecture along the banks clearly.

The stretch between the Mercato delle Vettovaglie and the church of the Dutch is tied to a legend about Amedeo Modigliani throwing sculptures into the water. Three heads recovered in 1984 were later shown to be a hoax by three local students.