The Bargello National Museum is set in one of the oldest buildings in all of Florence, and the oldest palazzo (palace) in the city. The palace where the Bargello National Museum lies was built back in the middle 13th century and was the early headquarters for the Capitano del Popolo, and later became the official residence of the city’s Bargello, which was the head of the Florentine police, in the 16th century. During the 18th century, the building and its surrounding complex, was also used as the city’s prison. Today, despite its austere and often gloomy background, the Bargello National Museum is home to some of the most inspired and inspiring works of Italian art. Some of the Bargello National Museum collection’s most prized works include sculptures from Donatello, as well as a number of pieces from some of Donatello’s disciples Desiderio da Settignano and Antonio Rossellino. There are also four separate masterworks from the great Michelangelo: a relief of the Madonna with Child, Bacchus, David-Apolllo, and Brutus. Visitors with even just a passing interest in art simply must put this museum on their list of sights to see in Florence, as it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the most influential and important pieces in the history of art.