About Florence
Florence
Florence (Italian: Firenze), the capital city of the region of Tuscany, has a population of circa 370,000 (1.5 million in metro Florence). The city of Florence lies on the River Arno and has long been a center of industry, craft, commerce, culture, art and science. Florence, considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance as well as the art capital of Italy, has been home to historical figures such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Dante, Boccaccio, Botticelli, Machiavelli, Brunelleschi, Galileo, Antonio Meucci, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, and the Medici Family, among others.
Florence attracts millions of tourists each year and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In fact, its historical city center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
Florence at night. Photograph property of Firenze Convention Bureau.
The Chianti area, a winegrowing region located 10 minutes outside of Florence city, boasts one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area most known for its Sangiovese grapes.
Villa La Quiete is located just outside Florence’s city center in the hills of Castello, at the foot of Mount Morello. The villa, considered to be one of the most important historical buildings in the province of Florence, is named after one of its famous frescos by Giovanni da San Giovanni titled The Calm that Commands the Winds (1632).
Castello, the area of Florence in which the villa is located, was a favorite location of the Medici family. In fact, several of their homes were located near Villa La Quiete, including Villa di Careggi, Villa di Castello and Villa della Petraia.
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David’ the famous work by Michelangelo, is part of Florence’s rich history.
Photograph property of Firenze Convention Bureau.
Our Conference Venue: Villa La Quiete
Villa La Quiete. Photograph property of Università degli Studi di Firenze.
Villa La Quiete dates back to the 1400s and, in its early years, was inhabited by the Orlandini family (1427), Niccolò da Tolentino (1438), Pier Francesco de’ Medici (1593) and Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine (1627). Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine created the elevated passageway connecting the villa to the nearby monastery of San Giovanni Boldrone. In 1650 the villa was transformed into a country residence for the Montalve, a religious order dedicated to the education of children of noble families, by Eleonora Ramirez de Montalvo, and the church of the Montalve (Chiesa delle Suore Montalve) was added in 1688. Anna Maria Luisa de` Medici, the last of the Medici family, made the villa her private residence in 1724. The villa is now maintained by the Region of Tuscany under the management of the University of Florence.
Among the works of art in the villa are: The Coronation of the Virgin by Sandro Botticelli, The Wedding of St. Catherine by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, and The Mystical Marriage of St. Caterina by Michele di Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.
How to get to Florence
From the Airport:
Florence International Airport "Amerigo Vespucci" is located 4 km from Florence. The city center can be easily reached by taxi (20 minutes, 20-25 Euro). There is also a shuttle bus called Vola in Bus which connects the airport with the Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN) train station. The tickets cost 4 Euro each way and can be purchased on board.
Airport website:
http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/IT/index.php
From the Firenze SMN Train Station:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN) station is located in the city center of Florence and is connected by the city’s local bus line (ATAF).
Train schedules and online ticketing:
http://trenitalia.com/homepage_en.html
Florence local bus service:
http://www.ataf.net/en‐US/ATAF.aspx?LN=en‐US&idC=2
Accommodations
Cellai Boutique Hotel (Official IEDLI conference hotel)
Via 27 Aprile 14
50129
Florence, Italy
Tel/Fax: +39 055 489291 - +39 055 470387
www.hotelcellai.it
info@hotelcellai.it
Hotel Cellai, located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, boasts a special atmosphere of warmth and intimacy, relaxation and charm. Each furnishing detail has been passionately chosen and each room deserves a visit. The stone and terracotta flooring, stone arches, antique furniture, and artistic furnishings characterize the many lounges available to guests wishing to read or relax in the company of others. Some of the most evocative spaces include the splendid Fireplace and Garibaldi Lounges and the hotel’s terrace, an open lounge area overlooking Florence. The breakfast room is a "winter garden" with large skylight where guests are served a delicious, candlelight breakfast each morning, with classical music playing in the background.
Pricing:
Single room: 98 Euro
Double room single use: 125 Euro
Double room: 132 Euro
IVA included
Wireless Internet included
Breakfast included
Complimentary tea/coffee buffet service
3-7pm
Complimentary bicycle rental
Complimentary travel guide
Special parking rates
Alternative Accommodations
Residence La Contessina
Via Faenza
71
Florence, Italy
Tel. (+39) 055 2670275•6 • Fax (+39) 055 2670333
www.residenceinflorence.com
Located in the historic city center of Florence, Residence La Contessina offers mini-apartments (with kitchen): a perfect option for visiting families or for guests who prefer to cook during their stay in Florence. Hotel services, wireless internet, and breakfast are included.
Pricing:
Apartment for 1 pax: 110 Euro
Apartment for 2 pax: 130 Euro
Apartment for 3 pax: 150 Euro
Apartment for 4 pax: 170 Euro
IVA included
Wireless Internet included
Breakfast included
Complimentary bicycle rental
Special parking rates
Note to families: cribs and high chairs provided at no charge. Babysitting services available. Children under stay for free.