Zamosc was founded in the 16th century by the hetman (head of the army) Jan Zamoyski on the trade route linking western and northern Europe with the Black Sea. Modelled on the Italian trading cities and built during the Baroque period by the architect Bernando Morando, a native of Padua, Zamosc remains a perfect example of a Renaissance town of the late 16th century which retains its original layout and fortifications and a large number of buildings blending Italian and central European architectural traditions. Old City quater of Zamosc has been placed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.