Vista panoramica su Firenze attraverso una grande finestra con cornici nere, mostrando i caratteristici tetti e le cupole degli edifici, in particolare la cattedrale, con ombre evidenti sul pavimento interno.

Vista aerea di un evento espositivo con un tappeto blu al centro, persone che interagiscono tra loro e stand espositivi disposti attorno, illuminazione a soffitto e decorazioni colorate in background.

Icona sostenibilità con immagine di una foglia

Florence, May 22nd, 2025. Italy reaffirms its leading role as a top congress destination on the international stage, with the city of Florence ranking among the world’s top 100 cities, alongside Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples and Turin. These results come from the 2024 ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) rankings.
Over the past year, Italy placed second worldwide with 635 international congresses, behind only the United States, which held first place with 709 congresses. As for the performance of Italian cities, Rome maintained its position in the global top 10, securing 9th place with 114 congresses, while Milan rose from 29th to 14th place with 100 congresses.
The ICCA study is a key indicator of the global congress tourism market, based on an analysis of regularly recurring international congresses that rotate among at least three countries.
The report explicitly acknowledges the work carried out by Convention Bureau Italia. “The numbers speak for themselves: Italy is not only competitive but accelerating rapidly,” said Carlotta Ferrari, President of Convention Bureau Italia. “Florence has been investing in congress tourism for years, following a strategy that prioritizes quality and the alignment of congress themes with the city’s development,” Ferrari added. “We’re not chasing numbers, but focusing on international events that are relevant in terms of content and the value they bring to the territory, such as in medicine, robotics, pediatrics, sustainable mobility and innovation. This approach is based on strong teamwork involving Firenze Fiera, the University of Florence and a network of scientific and academic ambassadors who make our offering credible on the global stage.”
Jacopo Vicini, Florence’s City Councillor for Tourism, commented: “For over ten years, Florence has been investing in congress development as a strategic asset for our city. The collaboration with Firenze Fiera and the presence of qualified operators in the region have always made Florence a prime destination for major international association congresses”.

Congress tourism: Florence ranks in the global top 100

Florence, May 14th, 2025. Following the success of previous editions, VILLA VITTORIA – Summer in villa returns from Thursday, May 22nd, officially kicking off the summer season in Florence. As always, the event will take place in the spectacular garden setting of Palazzo dei Congressi. The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Let yourself be tempted”, which suggests the pleasure and desire to indulge in the many attractions of Villa Vittoria&#8217;s new season.
This edition brings both traditions and exciting new features. Among the highlights is the grand opening inside the garden space of the pizzeria managed by renowned Italian chef Romualdo Rizzuti, holder of the prestigious “3 spicchi” rating from Gambero Rosso. The pizzeria will provide the perfect culinary complement to Villa Vittoria’s events.
“We’ll initially be open from Thursday to Saturday, then add Wednesday openings from 7 p.m., with free entry,” said Aldo Settembrini, creator of the project alongside Giovanni Fittante. “What’s important to me is opening earlier in the evening, so people can enjoy the venue without needing to stay out too late”.
“I often hear people say that summer starts when Villa Vittoria opens – and perhaps that’s our true magic: connecting the venue to that feeling of lightness and well-being that only the warm season can bring,” Settembrini added. “Of course, there are other key ingredients too – a beautiful, welcoming location that’s easy to reach with nearby parking, a solid team, carefully curated artistic and musical choice and maybe the smiles and joy with which we welcome our guests”.
Opening hours: from Wednesday to Saturday, from 7:00 p.m. <a href="http://www.villavittoriafirenze.com">www.villavittoriafirenze.com</a>

“Let Yourself Be Tempted”: The New Season of VILLA VITTORIA – Summer in Villa

Florence, May 8th 2025. Researchers from the United States, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, as well as South Korea, Japan, India, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Italy and many other countries are gathering in Florence for a constructive and interactive exchange on the latest advancements in pathological anatomy and diagnostic cytology.
More than 800 researchers from 56 countries are expected at Fortezza da Basso in Florence from Sunday, May 11th to Thursday, May 15th to share insights and updates on the many facets of cytopathology, a branch of pathological anatomy that studies cells, particularly in bodily fluids, to identify abnormalities and diseases. This discipline supports the diagnosis of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions by analyzing the morphological and functional changes in cells.
The biennial international congress, coming to Florence thanks to a joint candidacy by Firenze Fiera and Destination Florence, is promoted and co-organized by IAC (International Academy of Cytology) and SIAPEC-IAP (Italian Society of Pathological Anatomy and Diagnostic Cytology – Italian Division of the International Academy of Pathology), with logistical support from SIAPEC Servizi Srl. Following previous editions in Baltimore and Sydney, the congress returns to Italy for the first time in twelve years. The last Italian edition was held in Venice.
The President of the Congress is Prof. Fernando Schmitt, MD, PhD, FIAC, Professor of Pathological Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Head of Molecular Pathology at IPATIMUP and current President of the International Academy of Cytology.
“We are very pleased with the wide participation in this 22nd congress from specialists across the globe, and especially with the presence of many young researchers, which bodes well for the future and new frontiers of our studies,” said Dr. Filippo Crivelli, CEO of SIAPEC Servizi. “Among the key topics addressed will be the use of AI, the latest advances in molecular biology and genetics, and the digitization of cytological examinations, which in recent years has significantly shortened the time to clinical results for many patients”.
“Once again, our facilities are ready to host one of the most important international medical congresses: the 22nd International Congress of Cytology, held for the first time in Florence from May 11th to 15th, bringing researchers from around the world to Fortezza da Basso” stated Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera. “This is another major success for Florence’s meeting industry, the result of a collaborative candidacy between Firenze Fiera and Destination Florence Foundation, which rewards the city of Florence and our outstanding venues and cutting-edge technological services”. 
“Our collaboration with Firenze Fiera has reached a new milestone, allowing Florence to host yet another congress of such high international scientific caliber,” added Laura Masi, President of Destination Florence Foundation. “Events like this not only enhance our region’s reputation as a premier congress destination, but also contribute to the cultural and professional growth of the city by fostering knowledge exchange among professionals from around the world”.

The New Frontiers of Cytology. For the First Time in Florence the 22nd International Congress of Cytology

Florence, May 1st 2025. MIDA 2025, the 89th edition of the International Handicrafts Fair, officially concludes this evening at 8:00 p.m. at Fortezza da Basso, closing with strong results both in terms of exhibitor satisfaction and public turnout, in line with previous years. More than 60,000 visitors attended the event, eager not to miss the traditional showcase of Italian and international artisanal excellence. For the first time, the fair was enhanced by the introduction of “Experiential Workshops,” which drew record numbers to hands-on labs and exclusive guided tours through the hidden corners of the historic Medici fortress.
“We close this edition of MIDA with great satisfaction for the strong attendance over the past seven days and for the dynamic and positive atmosphere experienced by our exhibitors,” said Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera. “As we look ahead to celebrating the 90th anniversary of Italy’s most beloved and longest-running artisan fair in 2026, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the 530 artisans who once again placed their trust in us. They – with their faces, voices, and culturally diverse traditions – together with institutions and trade associations, have reaffirmed MIDA’s role as a vital, ongoing observatory on contemporary craftsmanship”.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this year’s International Handicrafts Fair,” said Giacomo Cioni, President of CNA Firenze Metropolitana. “The response from the public, the quality of the exhibitors and the attention the fair received confirm that craftsmanship remains vibrant, appealing and central to the cultural and economic narrative of our region. The 109 companies we showcased represented this spirit at its best, offering not just products of excellence, but also stories of passion, identity and innovation. My thanks go to all the participating businesses, our partners and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this success possible”.
“Supporting craftsmanship is not an act of nostalgia, but a commitment to our identity and future generations,” added Serena Vavolo, President of Confartigianato Firenze. “Once again, MIDA demonstrated that the true heart of Florence and of Made in Italy lies in the hands of artisans, and it is through them that we can shape the future.”

MIDA 2025, the 89th International Handicrafts Fair, Closes Successfully Tonight

Florence, April 30th, 2025. MIDA, the 89th edition of the International Handicrafts Fair, will close its doors tomorrow (May 1st) at 8:00 p.m. The event, held at Florence’s historic Fortezza da Basso, has once again brought traditional and innovative craftsmanship into the spotlight, showcasing not only unique creations from around the world but also the faces and voices behind them.
Among these are the three Palestinian sisters behind “Foglie di Ulivo” (olive leaves) proud to present at MIDA not only traditional handmade items – tunics and traditional dresses, handbags, pouches, office accessories and the iconic black and white keffiyeh with handwoven fringes – but also to share the rich culture and message of a people asserting their right to exist.
“We are a large Palestinian family – seven sisters and one brother – who moved to Italy many years ago,” explains Bushra. “Our roots are deeply planted in Palestine, in the city of Nablus, where we come from. Through our work, we aim to spread Palestinian culture, to carry its history into the present, and to pass on its past to the future, showcasing the beauty and excellence of its craftsmanship. Bringing typical products and handmade goods from the Palestinian Territories to this fair means sharing a piece of ourselves, our lives and our world. We believe every country has a heart and the heart of every country is its culture”. “With the proceeds from our sales,” Bushra adds, “we strive to provide tangible support to our people, including through the adoption of two children living in Gaza”.
And as we wait for tomorrow for a final assessment of this 89th edition, walking through the pavilions one can sense a positive and satisfied atmosphere among the exhibitors. “This is my first year showcasing my handcrafted eyeglasses at MIDA,” says Gianni Saliceti. “I’m very pleased with the outcome, there’s been a great deal of interest and very positive feedback from visitors”.
“This edition has been very successful for us, both in terms of attendance and the level of engagement from the public,” adds a volunteer from the social cooperative Made in Sipario, which promotes the artisanal work of young people with intellectual disabilities. “Visitors were eager to learn how our young special artists approach the world of handmade craftsmanship”.

Tomorrow (May 1st) is the Final Day to Visit MIDA 89 at Fortezza da Basso

Florence, April 27th 2025. MIDA, the 89th edition of the International Handicrafts Fair, continues at Fortezza da Basso until May 1st. In its first three days, it is experiencing a boom in visitors’ numbers and enthusiastic public response.
“I thank President Becattini for the invitation and greet all the artisans present at this major event that, since 1931, has celebrated art, creativity and innovation of Made in Italy products,” stated in a written message Adolfo Urso, Minister for Business and Made in Italy. “In Italy, there are nearly 1.3 million artisan businesses, making up one-fifth of the national entrepreneurial fabric. The Italian government strongly supports the artisan sector, implementing policies that promote training, innovation and the digital transformation of enterprises. Italian craftsmanship is a wealth we must safeguard and enhance &#8211; together, we are building a future of excellence and sustainability, where you continue to bring prestige to Italy”.
“It is both a pleasure and an emotional moment for me to inaugurate this important fair,” said Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera, “now in its 89th edition and seeing great success. The longevity and success of this event are the result of collective effort and years of synergy with institutions. I want to thank, first and foremost, our shareholders: the Tuscany Region, the City of Florence, the Metropolitan City, the Chamber of Commerce of Florence and the City of Prato. Also ICE, the CR Florence Foundation with OMA, Artex, Assocamere Estero, CNA, Confartigianato, Sicrea and finally Destination Florence and the international delegations present here — such as those from Oman and the United Arab Emirates — with whom we hope to develop exciting collaborations in the future, including intercultural dialogue among distant nations. As we close this edition,” Becattini concluded, “we’ll immediately begin work on the 90th edition, where we’ll bring our traditions into the future”.
“The International Handicrafts Fair is a remarkable opportunity, a unique showcase to highlight real excellence. This edition is proving to be a great success,” stated Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence. “Florence is a city of artisans, and we aim to keep enhancing this sector — starting with our many projects to protect and preserve our historic workshops”.
Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany Region, remarked: “The presence of so many producers and such a large audience shows how the artisan sector continues to drive our economy. The Handicrafts Fair is truly a symbol of the identity and DNA with which Florence and Tuscany present themselves to the world. It’s a community celebration that goes beyond craftsmanship. I thank Firenze Fiera and its leadership, who have once again given new life to the Fortezza’s exhibition center after the difficult years of the pandemic”.
“I’ve always felt the opening of MIDA as part of my life — ever since I was a child, when I came here to admire the excellence of handcrafted creations, which I see again today, perhaps even more so,” said Massimo Manetti, President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber of Commerce will continue its commitment to make next year’s 90th edition something truly exceptional and unprecedented”.
“MIDA is a unique showcase in our country, once again revealing how thin the line is between craftsmanship and art,” said Luca Tonini, President of CNA Toscana. “We present centuries-old traditions brought to life by men and women whose skilled hands create true masterpieces — symbols of Italy and especially of Tuscany”.
“Today, more than ever, craftsmanship is not just tradition but a strategic lever for navigating global change,” declared Serena Vavolo, President of Confartigianato Imprese Firenze. “Our businesses, small yet incredibly resilient, preserve ancient knowledge while simultaneously innovating, contributing to the Made in Italy brand as a singular cultural and economic model. MIDA is its most authentic expression”.
Tomorrow the Cooking Show Program is starting, curated by Leonardo Romanelli: at 10:30 on the Spadolini Attic Floor, students from the F. Datini Hospitality Institute in Prato will perform alongside Rocco De Santis, 2 Michelin star chef at the Santa Elisabetta restaurant (Florence). Tastings will follow throughout the afternoon.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Fortezza da Basso for the 89th MIDA – International Handicrafts Fair, from 25th April until May 1st

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