The Bargello Museum in Florence

The Bargello Museum is the second largest museum in Florence after the Uffizi Gallery, housing many works of art and the finest sculptures from the Italian Renaissance period. The castle-like building was constructed in 1255, initially serving as the town hall (the earliest seat of the city's government), and later became the headquarters of the police and prison (the Bargello). It gained notoriety as the site of executions in its main courtyard, which continued until the death penalty was abolished by Leopoldo of Tuscany in 1786. Following a series of renovations, the building was opened to the public as the National Museum of Italy in 1865.