Florence | June 16-19

About florence

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city where art, history, and elegance blend harmoniously. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking architecture, world-renowned museums, and picturesque streets that invite exploration. From the grandeur of the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio to the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia, Florence is a treasure trove for art and culture lovers.

Eating in Florence

Florence is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Traditional Tuscan cuisine is based on fresh, simple ingredients, with signature dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, and pappa al pomodoro. Local trattorias and osterias serve hearty meals alongside some of the best wines in Italy, including Chianti and Brunello. Don’t miss a stop at the Mercato Centrale, where you can enjoy everything from gourmet street food to classic Italian espresso in a lively atmosphere.

Shopping in Florence

Florence is also a top destination for shopping. Discover high-end fashion boutiques and artisan workshops in the elegant streets near Via de’ Tornabuoni and Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths and jewelers have worked for centuries. The city is known for its handcrafted leather goods, stylish shoes, and tailored clothing. Whether you're looking for designer labels or unique Florentine crafts, shopping here is an experience in itself.

Venue

Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Located in the heart of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio is one of the city’s most iconic symbols. This historic building of great artistic value is today the seat of the City Hall and houses priceless Renaissance frescoes and artworks, including works by Vasari and Michelangelo. The main entrance is in Piazza della Signoria.

How to get there:

  • From the A1 highway: exit at Firenze Sud or Firenze Nord, then follow signs to the city center. It is recommended to park in one of the historic center parking lots (e.g., Palazzo Vecchio Garage or Sant’Ambrogio Parking).
  • From Santa Maria Novella train station: about a 15-minute walk or 10 minutes by taxi.
  • From Florence Airport (Peretola): 25 minutes by taxi or take the T2 tram to the station, then walk or take a taxi.

Department of Architecture, Santa Teresa Campus

The Santa Teresa campus of the Department of Architecture at the University of Florence is an elegant complex located at Via della Mattonaia 14, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Beccaria. The campus houses laboratories, classrooms, and research spaces focused on architecture, urban planning, and landscape studies.

How to get there:

  • From Santa Maria Novella station: 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by taxi.
  • From the A1 highway: exit at Firenze Sud, then head towards the historic center.
  • From Florence Airport: about 30 minutes by taxi.

Gala Dinner – Palazzo Borghese

The evening will conclude with a Gala Dinner at Palazzo Borghese, located at Via Ghibellina 110, a short walk from Piazza Santa Croce. This sumptuous noble palace is one of the most elegant examples of neoclassical architecture in Florence and features magnificent frescoed halls.
How to get there: Easily reachable on foot from the city center or by taxi.
To conclude the event in a truly memorable way, we have chosen a unique location in the heart of Florence: Villa Bardini, an architectural gem suspended between art, history, and nature.
Overlooking the city with a breathtaking view of the historic center, Villa Bardini is a 17th-century historic residence surrounded by four hectares of monumental gardens that gently climb the Florentine hills. The villa also houses exhibition and museum spaces, with art collections and temporary shows that celebrate the beauty and culture of the region.
Guests will have the special opportunity to enjoy a private visit of the museum and artistic spaces of the villa, followed by an exclusive dinner indoors, held in one of its elegant historic salons. It will be an immersive experience of art and fine dining, in a magical setting that blends Renaissance grandeur with the charm of Florence at sunset.
A refined and unforgettable finale to celebrate the closing of the event together.

How to get there:

  • On foot from Ponte alle Grazie or Piazza de’ Pitti (steep paths)
  • By taxi (recommended for those with mobility difficulties