From street artists to world-famous art galleries, Florence has always been a city of art. In ancient times, it was once a small village for Roman soldiers. However, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Medici family became rulers of the city. They ordered and paid for of the buildings and works of art many that the city is now famous for and it became the birthplace of the European Renaissance. Today, it is one of the world's loveliest cities. Reaching 90 meters into the air, the Duomo was once the largest dome in the world, and is stll the largest brck The Bargello is the oldest public dome ever constructed. building in Florence. During the Middle Agas and Renaissance periods, it was a police station and prison, but it is now an art museum.