The construction of Livorno was desired by the Medici, Grand Dukes of Tuscany, who ordered an "ideal city". The majestic view of the Fortezza Vecchia's ("Old Fortress") bastions facing the waters is what is first seen upon approaching the port. From Livorno, Tuscany opens towards the Mediterranean Sea, to which it's connected by centuries of history, culture and trade. Livorno, which changed from a fishermen's village to seaside town, rapidly became one of the main ports of the Mediterranean in the second half of the 16th century, when the commercial strategies of the Medici family made such a transformation necessary. The Fortezza Vecchia with its imposing Mastio di Matilde (Matilde's Keep) guards the port, and is connected to the Fortezza Nuova ("New Fortress"), heart of the city centre, by a canal system. Livorno's close connection with the sea is seen constantly: in its history, traditions and culture; in its flaming sunsets; in its clear and scented air, maritime sports and gastronomic traditions. The first bathing establishments in Europe originated here in the 19th century, as well as the idea of seaside vacations. Walking along the seafront promenade, one can still admire splendid liberty-style villas built at the beginning of the 20th century. The characteristic quarter of Venezia Nuova (New Venice), built during the course of the 17th century, still preserves its original appearance: the Fossi Medicei, a network of navigable canals which, like in Venice, connected the merchants' homes with their warehouses and are accessible directly from the water, now give access to these rooms and are especially suggestive. In this city where artists such as Pietro Mascagni, Giovanni Fattori, Amedeo Modigliani and Giorgio Caproni were born, many are the splendours that the places, sounds and colours offer its visitors.