Florence - Museum of the History of Science

(Local Name: Palazzo Castellani con Museo di Storia della Scienza) From 1574 to 1841 this austere medieval fortress-like building was the headquarters of the Rota court (hence the name of the square, giudici = judges). Since 1930 the palace has held the Museum of the History of Experimental Sciences.

The collection includes instruments and scientific objects, some belonging to the Medici and some from other Florentine institutes: optical and mathematical apparatus, including a mechanical writing device, electrical apparatus, instruments for astronomy and cosmography and physical and anatomical models. One room is devoted to Galileo and his discoveries.