The Fortezza da Basso – renowned for the Pitti fashion shows – is only a 10-minute walk away. Often viewed as the convention center of Florence and in the winter season the site of Christmas markets and an ice-skating rink. Fortezza da Basso is a fort inserted in the fourteenth century walls of Florence. Its official name is the Fortress of Saint John the Baptist. In modern times it is home to numerous conferences, concerts and national and international exhibitions, such as Pitti Immagine. Its total area is nearly 100,000 square meters.