Fortezza da Basso, Florence – a part of the Florence Congress and Exhibition Centre
A Medicean fortress from the 1500s, located within 5 minutes walk of the Santa Maria Novella train station, and a 10-minute walk from the Florence Cathedral (the Duomo).
When it comes to inspiring global destinations, Florence is like none other. The city seamlessly blends history, culture, and innovation. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers an extraordinary setting where centuries of artistic achievement meet modern international life. As you plan your visit, we invite you to experience all that this dynamic and unique destination has to offer.
Florence was ranked the best city in Europe by the prestigious World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure, based on the votes of nearly 180,000 readers worldwide. This recognition reflects the city’s outstanding blend of artistic heritage, architectural beauty, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural life.
Consistently celebrated on the global stage, Florence continues to captivate visitors as one of the most inspiring and admired destinations in the world.
Florence’s historic centre—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a living museum of art, architecture, and intellectual history. Landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio stand as enduring symbols of the city’s cultural legacy.
Visitors can explore centuries of artistic achievement through Florence’s museums, churches, and piazzas, while also enjoying contemporary Italian cuisine, boutique shopping, and the surrounding landscapes of the Tuscan countryside.
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) is the closest airport to the congress venue and offers convenient access to the city centre.
Distance: ~6 km (4 miles)
Travel time: ~15–20 minutes by taxi or car
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is a major international gateway in Northern Italy, well connected to Florence by high-speed rail.
Distance: ~100 km (65 miles)
Travel time: ~35 minutes by high-speed train or ~1 hour by car
Pisa International Airport (PSA) offers a wider range of international flights and is a common arrival point for visitors to Tuscany.
Distance: ~80 km (50 miles)
Travel time: ~1 hour by car or train
Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is Italy’s largest international hub and offers direct high-speed rail connections to Florence.
Distance: ~275 km (170 miles)
Travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed train
Many international delegates traveling from North America, Asia, or other long-haul destinations may find it easiest to fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy’s largest international gateway, and continue to Florence by high-speed train.
Rome Fiumicino Airport is directly connected to Rome’s central railway station via the Leonardo Express., which reaches Roma Termini in approximately 30 minutes. From there, frequent high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo Treno travel to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Guglielmo Marconi Airport is directly connected to Bologna’s central railway station via the Marconi Express, which reaches Bologna Centrale in approximately 7 minutes. From there, frequent high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo Treno travel to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station in approximately 35–40 minutes.
Both these routes are often faster and offers more flight options than connecting through smaller regional airports.
Population: Approximately 380,000 (metropolitan area over 1 million)
Currency: Euro (€)
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
Communication: Italian is the official language; English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
November in Florence is generally cool and autumnal, with daytime temperatures averaging 10–16°C with temperatures dropping in the evenings. Occasional rain showers are possible, so delegates are encouraged to bring a light coat or jacket and an umbrella.
Florence is an elegant and cosmopolitan European city with a strong cultural heritage.
Recommended:
Cultural Considerations:
Voltage: 230V supply voltage, 50Hz
Plug Types: Types C, F, and L
Visitors travelling from outside Europe may require a plug adapter and voltage converter depending on their devices.
Take advantage of exclusive delegate hotel rates, with a minimum 5% discount off the best available rates through our partnership with Fondazione Destination Florence directly with their partner hotels.
As many properties are European boutique hotels with limited room inventory, we strongly encourage booking early to secure preferred options and pricing. https://booking.destinationflorence.com/en/siu/.
The sole purpose of an invitation letter is to facilitate delegates’ attendance and does not imply financial or other support by the organizers. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the delegate.
Further information regarding pre- and post-congress tours in Florence and the Tuscany region will be available soon.
Delegates may wish to explore nearby destinations such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca, the Chianti wine region, and the Tuscan countryside.
Visa requirements for entry into Italy and the Schengen Area vary depending on nationality.
Delegates are advised to consult the nearest Italian embassy or consulate, or their national foreign affairs website, to confirm the entry requirements applicable to their citizenship.
Depending on nationality, visitors may:
Visitors entering Italy must typically hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, delegates should consult official Italian immigration resources or their local Italian diplomatic mission prior to travel.
The SIU does not have the authority to advise on, issue, or confirm visas or electronic travel authorizations.
Applying early is recommended to allow sufficient time to address any potential delays or issues prior to travel.
