The tower of the Palazzo Vechio, "Old Palace," rises high above the Florentine streets. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the architect of the Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce, the Palazzo was built in the early 14th century and served both as a fortress and as the seat of Florentine government. Now largely used as a museum, the Palazzo still houses the office of the mayor and city council of Florence.