Florence

History
Florence , capital of the region of Tuscany , is a city which bustles with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science.

The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena , is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.

Founded by the Romans in the first century B.C., Florence began its rebirth after the decadence of the barbaric ages, in the Carolingian period, and reached its highest pinnacles of civilization between the 11th and 15th centuries, as a free city. In the 15th century, it came under the rule of the Medici family, who later became the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. This in fact was the period when the city was at the height of its glory in art and culture, in politics and economic power. The Grand Duchy of the Medicis was succeeded, in the 18th century, by that of the House of Lorraine, when in 1860 Tuscany became part of the Kingdom of Italy of which Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871. In this century, the city has once more taken up its role as an important centre for culture and the arts.

Culture
Florence contains an exceptional artistic patrimony, glorious testimony to its secular civilization. Cimabue and Giotto, the fathers of Italian painting, lived here, along with Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano, reformists of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi , Donatello and Masaccio, founders of the Renaissance; Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Filippo Lippi and l'Angelico; Botticelli and Paolo Uccello; the universal geniuses Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo . Their works, along with those of many generations of artists up to the masters of the present century, are gathered in the city's many museums.

In Florence, thanks to Dante , the Italian language was born; with Petrarch and Boccaccio literary studies were affirmed; with Humanism the philosophy and values of classical civilization were revived; with Machiavelli modern political science was born; with Guicciardini, historical prose; and with Galileo, modern experimental science.

Today many specialized institutes are in Florence and the city is an international cultural center. Academies, art schools, scientific institutes and cultural centers all contribute to the city's intense activity.

Gastronomy
Tuscan food is simple and abundant with local produce, mellow cheeses and grilled meats. Tuscans are also known for their appreciation of beans as seen in the staple of the Tuscan table: white beans cooked with sage and olive oil. Beef Steak Florentine, many versions of roasted or wine-braised game such as boar, deer and rabbit and thick and hearty soups cover the table of a typical Tuscan meal. Plus this is the home of Chianti wine.

Conference Centre: Convitto della Calza

Specificity
A location that is unique for its fascination, atmosphere, art and history, the ancient 14th-century Hospital dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the Hotel/Conference Centre Convitto della Calza is today, one of the most charming destinations among Florence hotels . The Jesuit monks that lived here beginning in 1529 wore a strip of cloth on their left shoulder that resembled a stocking (calza), which is the origin of hospitality structure's name.

Large and small halls with prestigious frescoes (including The Last Supper by Franciabigio - 1514), which house the common areas of the Hotel/Conference Centre have modern furnishings that integrate perfectly with the historic environment and are enriched with all the best conveniences and state-of-the-art technological services offered by hotels in Florence .

Location
The Convitto della Calza is the ideal for meetings and conferences due to its proximity to the old town center of Florence , which can be reached in a pleasant 15-minute stroll to the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge filled with picturesque boutiques famous throughout the world. To reach it, you pass by the Boboli Garden , a marvelous Italian-style garden designed by one of the greatest Florentine architects and decorated with important sculptures, and the Pitti Palace (just a few minute walk from the hotel), a Renaissance residence of the Pitti bankers, followed by the Medici, and the dynasties that succeeded to the throne of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, today one of the most important art galleries of Florence and the world, which holds and extraordinary collection of masterpieces.

Once you've crossed the Ponte Vecchio, you're immediately in the historic and artistic heart of Florence : Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery with a prestigious art gallery that is unique in the world. Just another short walk along Via de Calzaiuoli, one of the most famous shopping areas of Florence (from Piazza della Signoria), and you emerge in front of the Duomo , the Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore. A riot of colored marble covers the mass of the Duomo and Giotto's Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi's dome, a milestone of the Renaissance and symbol of Florence , towers over the entire complex.

Contact details:
Convitto della Calza
Piazza Della Calza, 6
50125 Florence
Italy

Tel +39 055.222287
Fax +39 055.223912

www.calza.it

Accommodation
As official Destination Management Company for the EFNP Conference to be held in Florence 22-24 November 07 we will be pleased to provide assistance upon request for hotel accommodation, transportation, tours of the city and restaurant & venue reservations.

Our Business Development team - Heather Williams, Antonella Bruschi, Chiara Bernardi and Elena Molteni will recieve all emails addressed to EFNP2007@newtours.it and will ensure a first response within 24 hours (working days) of receipt of mail.

For individual reservations guests may also consult our website for online reservations - www.selectbynewtours.it

Hotel availability is limited, so early booking is advised!

Contact details:
Newtours Spa
Via A. Righi 8
50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI)
Italy
E-mail: EFNP2007@newtours.it

Tel. +39 055 33611
Fax. +39 055 3361450

www.newtours.it