the architect Ferdinando Ruggieri extensively modified the façade and the interior structure, including the ceiling. It houses noteworthy artworks including paintings by Francesco Botticini, a terracotta by Luca della Robbia, an altarpiece (1785) by Zanobi del Rosso and a triptych by Lorenzo di Bicci portraying the Madonna in Throne with Saints. The Palazzo Ghibellino is the former palace of the Guidi counts. It was probably erected in the 11th century. In 1260 it was the seat of the Ghibelline parliament where the fate of the Florence's Guelphs was decided. In the 16th century, the palace was restored, leaving little of the original structure, though. The Palazzo Pretorio was the Town Hall in the Middle Ages. Currently, it houses several activities, including an auditorium. The house of the painter Pontormo is in the frazione (hamlet) of Pontorme. Sport Empoli's main association football team is Empoli F.C., which is currently playing in the . Twinnings Sankt Georgen an der Gusen, Austria Notable people Farinata degli Uberti, real name Manente degli Uberti (1212–1264), politician leader [anti-Papal] (1483–1518), navigator Jacopo Carrucci, better known as Pontormo (1494–1556), painter Jacopo da Empoli (1551–1640), painter Alessandro Marchetti (1633–1714), mathematician and writer (1648–1735), doctor and philosopher (1652–1708), doctor and poet Renato Fucini (1843–1921), writer (1861–1940), orthopaedist Ferruccio Busoni (1866–1924), musician (1884–1932), Eastern countries scholar Mentore Maggini (1890–1941), astronomer (1908–1994), politician and anti-Fascist militant (1932–1988), poet and writer References External links Official website Della Storia d'Empoli