Palagio di Parte Guelfa

The Palagio di Parte Guelfa dates back to the early 14th century in its original form, and was expanded during the 15th century.
Giovanni Villani's Cronica reveals that in 1267, the Parte Guelfa, the dominant faction in the city, did not yet have its own headquarters and held its meetings in the Church of Santa Maria sopra Porta (now home to the Palagio Library).
 

It was right next to the church that the Captains built the palace where the Magistrates would meet. The palace remained central until the demolition of Florence as capital, which spared it, even though the neo-medieval restoration work was heavy and is the most evident: the large mullioned window on the façade, the square battlements (Guelfa) and the covered staircase. 

It also escaped German bombing during World War II and is an important building in Florence's history. Home to Calcio Storico Fiorentino, the halls are made available by the City of Florence for events and conferences.