The old cylindrical tower known as "La Pagliazza" stands in the heart of Florence, just a short walk from the Cathedral.

Until recently it had been hidden by the surrounding houses and was practically unknown.

Its strange name, with the Italian word for straw (paglia) as its root seems to derives from the fact that it was once a prison and the inmates only had straw to sleep on.

Its unusual shape leads scholars to believe that it was part of the walls built by the Byzantines between 541 and 544 to defend the city from the Goths, since the walls did, in fact go by that spot.

Therefore, the Pagliazza would be the oldest standing structure in Florence.

The church of S. Michele was built near the tower, within the close Byzantine walls; it was probably put up during the Longobard period, if not earlier.  This church was known as "in Palchetto" or "Palchito" because it was built on a raised platform.

The architectural research conducted by the government service led to a discovery.  Digging in the cellars of old buildings brought light a calidarium from the Roman baths.  The tower was also used as a women's prison in the middle ages. When the prison was closed it was turned into a bell tower.  

This circular tower is now part of the Hotel Brunelleschi, whose name comes from the fact that t is located in Fillipo Brunselleschi's district - became a prestigious and functional hotel and an important cultural reference for the city and its guests. There is a small museum where guests can view remains of pottery and Roman baths.