An architectural work of art of incredible value, the Uffizi Palace is one of the most admired monuments of Florence. The Palace was designed by Giorgio Vasari in the middle of the 16th century. The Palace was built with the intention of hosting the thirteen administrative Uffizi, meaning judicial magistrate, and therefore is derived its name. This theatre also served as the seat of the senate while Florence was the capital of Italy. The building is U shaped or "horseshoe" has two floors and opens up towards the Arno River. A large corridor with six high arched windows overlooking the courtyard and the Arno ties the two bodies of the building which are parallel. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most admired and visited museums in the world housing great works of art and history from the 13th to the 18th centuries.