In 1421 Livorno, then a fishing village with a small fortified port, was subjugated by Florence. During the 16th century it's harbor facilities were improved and a canal was constructed connecting nearby Pisa with Livorno. Under the Medici Ferdinand I, grand duke of Tuscany, Livorno was opened to settlement by traders from all nations. By the end of this rule, it had surpassed Pisa in importance as a port. In 1691, Livorno was declared a free port, a status it retained until 1868. during World War II, heavy bombardment (Allied) leveled the city center, destroying many landmarks and damaging the port area.