Hunt arrived in Italy at the end of June 1822, together with his wife and five sons, at the invitation of Shelley and Byron. It was to welcome Hunt and his family that Shelley crossed to Livorno on 1 July . Leigh Hunt was present together with Byron and Trelawny when Shelley's body was burnt on the beach near Viareggio, and it was Leigh Hunt who suggested that the words 'Cor Cordium' should be engraved on Shelley's tombstone.

He published many stories, plays and essays connected with or about Italy including The Story of Rimini, A Legend of Florence and Stories from Italian Poets. He died in 1859.

Livorno harbour