Venue
Fortezza dal Basso[Google Map]
A masterpiece of the military Renaissance architecture, the Fortezza da Basso was planned by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane and commissioned by Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, and it was built between 1534 and 1537. The Fortezza da Basso has always been the main venue of the exhibition center in Florence since 1967 and it is strategically located in the historic city centre.
The Fortezza da Basso has an overall surface of nearly 100.000 sq m, more than a half of which are covered, and it is an ideal place for exhibitions and congresses with a high number of participants, thanks to the possibility of building a plenary hall with 3,500 seats, as well as a perfect place to host official receptions and gala events.
This complex and prestigious environment combines charming and perfectly restored historic places (such as the Quartieri Monumentali - the Monumental Area - or the Polveriera) with modern pavilions, specifically built to increase the space availability, such as the Spadolini Pavilion, built on three floors (opened in 1977) and the more recently built Cavaniglia Pavilion (opened in 1996).
The conservative restoration of the whole area was made according to the space destination and to the requirements of event organizers, exhibitors and visitors.
Following these requirements, differentiated ways were organized, allowing exhibitors to access internal areas even with large trucks, and allowing visitors to benefit from various city connections (taxis, buses and trams) with the international airport Amerigo Vespucci, the central railway station of Santa Maria Novella and the numerous parking areas nearby.
The venue is conveniently close to the airport, main railway station of Santa Maria Novella and to all the principal hotels, and is also within easy walking distance of major tourist attractions. This exhibition centre is one of the most famous venues in Italy and hosts renowned international events every year.
Visitors and their accompanying partners at ICASSP 2014 will appreciate the fact that the area of Fortezza da Basso is so close to the historical centre of Florence, allowing them to combine their congress activity with a great experience in one of the most famous places in the world, renowned for its artistic beauty, museums, churches and shopping, in addition to its high quality wine and food.
