The palace was not only the residence of the Doge, the chief magistrate of the city, but also the heart of Venice's administrative and legislative systems. Constructed sometime between the 10th and 11th centuries, it has gradually taken its current imposing form, with important additions and renovations happening in the 14th and 15th centuries. Suffering from a series of fires throughout the years, the reconstructions of the damaged parts were each more impressive than the other: the monumental Scala dei Giganti, the site of the coronation of each new Doge, the 24-carat gold and white stucco Scala d’Oro and the Sala del Collegio, recognised as the most beautiful room. And to top it off, hundreds of paintings by Italian masters like Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese, all testifying Venice's leading role until the 17th century. After the decline of the Republic, the Palace housed the administrative offices of the city, and in 1923 was turned into a museum.