Livorno, the Tuscan gateway to the Mediterranean sea, is crossed by canals and situated on the seaside. Planned as an ideal town in the 16th century, Livorno is characterized by districts with Medicean canals that are still navigable today, as well as by its port, towers and fortresses, which lead to the city center. Nowadays, the port is still very active and features a large fishing fleet plus an abundance of commercial activity. Thanks to the 16th-century Livornine laws that helped trading activities of merchants and that gave the freedom of religion, Livorno then became a cosmopolitan city and one of the most important ports of the entire Mediterranean area.