Bargello (Italian: Bargello) is the oldest public building in Florence, which has housed a museum of sculpture since the XIX century - the National Museum of Bargello. In the Middle Ages, the building served as the residence of the Podesta and the City Council (Palazzo del Popolo), and for some time - a prison and barracks. The building was erected in 1256, first as a two-story building. The third floor was added after the fire of 1323, using smaller blocks. The open courtyard has an external staircase leading to the second floor.→