The conference will take place in the Florentine Renaissance palaces to enjoy a unique experience and enrich the professional contents of the conference.
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio dominates Piazza della Signoria and is the headquarter of the Municipality. It represents the best synthesis of the city’s fourteenth-century architecture and is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Originally called ‘Palazzo dei Priori’, it has been renamed Palazzo della Signoria in the 15th century, to celebrate the name of the major public institution of the Republic of Florence. In 1540 it became the ‘‘Palazzo Ducale’’, when Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici turned it into his residence; finally in 1565 it has been named ‘Vecchio’ (Old) when, Grand Duke Cosimo I chose Palazzo Pitti as residential palace. From 1865 to 1871 it was the seat of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, while today it houses the Mayor of Florence and various municipal offices. Morevoer, it houses a museum, which allows visitors to admire the magnificent rooms where, among others, Agnolo Bronzino, Ghirlandaio, and Giorgio Vasari worked, and where paintings by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Donatello and Verrocchio are exhibited.
Palazzo Borghese
Palazzo Borghese, located in the middle of the historic centre of Florence, is one of the most striking examples of neoclassic architecture of the Tuscan capital. Although it has an impressive facade, it often passes unnoticed, almost suffocated by the narrow street that hosts it. Once inside, however, its beauty and spendor are dazzling and an imposing grand staircase leads to the main floor. The heart of the palace consists of the “Hall of Mirrors” and the “Monumental Gallery” or “Party Hall”. The latter rappresents an architectural and artistic jewel full of paintings, frescoes, bas-reliefs, niches, statues, columns and draperies . The history of Palazzo Borghese Aldobrandini begins in the middle of the 15th century when the Salviati brothers decided to merge several residences by creating a single noble building. Following the marriage of Anna Salviati to Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese, many of the assets of Salviati properties passed to Prince Camillo.
Palazzo dei Congressi - Villa Vittoria
The Summit will take place in Villa Vittoria, a remarkable 19th century building. Surrounded by a secular park, it is a combination of elegance and advanced technologies. Thanks to its numerous halls, a 1,000-seat Auditorium and a futuristic Amphitheatre surrounded by greenery, it hosts summits and events of all kinds. Villa Vittoria was commssioned by Marquis Massimilano degli Strozzi and built between 1886 and 1891 by Gerolamo Passeri. Originally, it had two floors, with two lateral wings in line with the best tradition of neo-sixteenth-century style villas. The Belvedere was added in 1925. A monumental staircase connects the ground floor with the main floor, leading to a gallery overlooked by some reception halls. All the rooms maintain their original charm: lunette vaults on the ground floor and finely decorated coffered ceilings on the first floor.
The panoramic B-Roof restaurant (Baglioni Hotel)
The panoramic B-Roof restaurant, formerly known as Terrazza Brunelleschi, is located on the fifth floor of the historic Grand Hotel Baglioni, right in the centre of Florence and is a two-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station.
The outdoor terraces of different heights and the splendid panoramic windows allow you to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Your gaze sweeps unhindered from Santa Maria Novella to the Medici Chapels, from the dome of the cathedral to the tower of Palazzo Vecchio, from San Miniato to Piazzale Michelangelo – you really feel like you can reach out and touch all of the city’s most famous monuments with one finger!
The Grand Hotel Baglioni, which houses our restaurant, was opened in 1903 and is a true symbol of the city of Florence, having hosted celebrities such as Guglielmo Marconi, Giacomo Puccini, King Umberto II, Enrico Caruso, Rodolfo Valentino and Gabriele D’Annunzio. In the very beginning of his novel Paolo il caldo, Vitaliano Brancati writes: “23rd June 1952. Here I am seated on the terrace of the Hotel Baglioni, in love with my wife. It is 10 p.m.”
Palazzo Pucci
Palazzo Pucci is one of the most important historical residences in Florence. Built in the sixteenth century is located in the heart of the city, a short walk from the Duomo. The interiors of the rooms were created with the involvement of outstanding painters such as Giovanni da San Giovanni, Jacopo Chiavistelli and Giovanni Domenico Ferretti.
The first nucleus dates back to 1480, when Antonio Pucci bought in the area houses and gardens. During the centuries, there were extensions and architectural interventions performed by illustrious architects and artists. In 1901 the building was declared national artistic heritage.
What makes the Palace special is the charm of the great frescoed salons.
The rooms are located on the first floor, which are accessed through the staircase and the atrium. On the ground floor there is a large courtyard which allows to create special installations, or catering services during the summer.
All rooms are decorated with magnificent frescoes, paintings and sculptures.
HOW TO REACH THE LOCATIONS
Palazzo Vecchio – Palazzo dei Congressi
16 min by walk
Palazzo Vecchio – Palazzo Borghese
5 min by walk
Palazzo Borghese – Palazzo dei Congressi
17 min by walk
Palazzo dei Congressi – Hotel Baglioni
(6 min walk)
Palazzo Vecchio – Hotel Baglioni
(12 min walk)
Palazzo Vecchio – Palazzo Pucci
(9 min walk)
