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Florence...
Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence, the jewel of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a city steeped in art, history, and timeless beauty. Nestled along the banks of the Arno River, it is celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its magnificent architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant street life, Florence continues to captivate visitors from all over the globe.
A Brief History of the City
Florence’s origins date back to Roman times, when it was established as a settlement for retired soldiers in 59 BC. During the Middle Ages, it grew into a powerful city-state, flourishing through banking, trade, and the patronage of influential families, most famously the Medici.
The Medici dynasty’s support of the arts and sciences ushered in the Renaissance, fostering the talents of legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei. Over the centuries, Florence endured periods of political turmoil, foreign rule, and cultural transformation, yet it has retained its status as a center of creativity and innovation.
Art and Culture
Florence’s cultural heritage is unrivaled. The Uffizi Gallery houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, and Caravaggio, while the Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David. The city’s cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), with its iconic red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi, remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Beyond its museums, Florence is a living gallery, with frescoes, sculptures, and architectural wonders scattered throughout its piazzas and churches. Its traditions are alive in local craftsmanship, from goldsmithing on the Ponte Vecchio to leatherworking in historic workshops.
Architectural Highlights
Florence boasts a skyline adorned with terracotta rooftops, medieval towers, and Renaissance domes. Key landmarks include the Duomo and its striking campanile by Giotto, the elegant Basilica of Santa Croce, and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. The Ponte Vecchio, the city’s oldest bridge, is lined with charming jewelry shops and offers views over the shimmering Arno River.
The city’s urban layout retains its medieval character, with narrow cobbled streets opening into grand squares such as Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza del Duomo.
Modern Day Florence
Today, Florence is both a historical treasure and a dynamic modern city. It thrives as a hub for art, fashion, education, and gastronomy. International conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs are regularly hosted here, drawing professionals from around the world. The city is well connected by high-speed rail, regional airports, and an efficient public transportation system, making it a convenient meeting point in Europe.
Florentine cuisine—rooted in simple, high-quality ingredients—remains a highlight, with specialties such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, hearty ribollita soup, and world-renowned Tuscan wines.
Top Attractions in Florence
Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore – The Duomo) – Completed in 1436, its dome by Filippo Brunelleschi is a Renaissance engineering marvel. Combination tickets include the dome climb, bell tower, museum, and baptistery.
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Uffizi Gallery – Founded in 1581 by the Medici, this world-class museum showcases masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Timed-entry tickets highly recommended.
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Ponte Vecchio – A 1345 medieval bridge famed for its jewelry shops, it’s the only Florentine bridge to survive WWII intact. Free to visit.
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Palazzo Vecchio – Built in 1299, this fortress-palace was Florence’s town hall and Medici power center. Tickets required for museum and tower; piazza is free.
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Accademia Gallery – Established in 1784, home to Michelangelo’s David and his unfinished Prisoners. Advance booking is strongly advised.
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Basilica of Santa Croce – Built in 1294, this Gothic gem houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Entry ticket required.
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Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens – Former Medici residence now hosting museums; the gardens are among Italy’s most celebrated formal landscapes. Combined passes available.
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Piazzale Michelangelo – Created in 1869, this viewpoint offers stunning panoramas over the city, especially at sunset. Free to visit.
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In Conclusion
Florence offers an unmatched blend of historical grandeur and modern vibrancy. Whether you come for the art, the architecture, the flavors, or the atmosphere, the city’s enduring spirit of creativity and beauty leaves a lasting impression—making it the perfect setting for an inspiring and memorable conference experience.
... with some turist info
Dear attendees of the GaN Marathon 2024, being Verona one of the most beautiful and historical city in Italy, we want you to experience it at the fullest. This is why our staff prepared a guide to the interesting places in Verona.
To guide even better we prepared a Google Maps link listing all the turist attractions as well as some of the best gelateria in town.
Accomodations
Here there are listed some of the possible place where to find an accommodation for the conference days. We do not have affiliated hotels, these are only suggestions with their average prices.
COMING SOON
140 € – 180 € / night
More informations about accomodations will be uploaded when hotels in Verona will display availability for the period of the GaN Marathon
Arriving in Florence
Public transportation provides numerous options for connecting Florence to the major nearby airports.
From Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci):
Tram Line T2 from the airport to Santa Maria Novella train station (about 20 minutes)
From Santa Maria Novella train station to the conference venue: by foot or by public transport (see the suggestions)
From Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei):
PisaMover shuttle from the airport to Pisa Centrale train station
Train from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station
From Bologna Airport (Guglielmo Marconi):
Marconi Express monorail from the airport to Bologna Centrale train station
High-speed train from Bologna Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station
From each airport, it is also possible to book a private transfer with Goopti.
Public Transport suggestions
Florence public bus service is named AT. Visit their website to get more informations. We suggest you to download the public transportation app.
The nearest bus stops around the Camera di Commercio are served by line C1.
A Few Words About
Lazise
The Gan Marathon Gala Dinner, along with the poster session, will take place in Lazise: a small town on beautiful shores of Garda Lake.
A Short Introduction of the Town
Lazise is a delightful town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Its origins trace back to ancient Roman times, evident in its well-preserved medieval center with cobbled streets and historic buildings.
The heart of Lazise is characterized by its picturesque harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear waters, and lakeside promenades invite leisurely strolls. Visitors are drawn to the town’s relaxed ambiance, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Beyond its captivating historical ambiance, Lazise also boasts a thriving culinary scene with lakeside restaurants serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. The town’s proximity to Lake Garda’s natural beauty, water sports, and nearby attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring this enchanting region of Italy.
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