ECRTS 2020 will be held as a virtual conference (i.e., everywhere on earth). Nevertheless, we would like you to already take a sneak peak at ECRTS 2021, where we hope to see you all again in Modena, Italy. Modena is the city of slow food and fast cars.
The city is known for its automotive industry. In fact, the famous Italian sport car makers (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati) are (or were) located in the surroundings of the city. Currently, all except for Lamborghini, have headquarters in Modena, or not too far from it. The famous Ferrari museum is situated in the nearby village of Maranello.
Modena is also a great gastronomic center, renowned for its balsamic vinegar, stuffed tortellini, and sparkling Lambrusco wine. It is – not by coincidence – home of the number one restaurant in the world, Osteria Francescana.
As for arts, Modena is famous for its Romanesque cathedral and as the birthplace of the late Italian opera singer Pavarotti.
Logistics and Details
Both ECRTS 2020 and its workshops will be held in the San Geminiano complex.
San Geminiano is an ancient hospital complex, later used by the nuns between 1448 and 1798. The main door entrance leads to a splendid Renaissance cloister with columns and capitals. The complex is completely restored and today hosts the headquarters of the Faculty of Law of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Travel
Modena is easily reached in several ways. The easiest way is by plane, flying to Bologna Airport (BLQ). The best option to reach the city from the airport is the Aerbus (timetable). It is also possible to directly take a taxi from Bologna airport, either directly to Modena or to the Bologna central station, where frequent trains connect the two cities. Milano, Florence, and Venice airports are also possible entry points, with train journeys to Modena.
The conference venue is located in Modena’s city center, which can be reached from the main train station (Stazione FS), by walking 20 minutes or by public transportation using line 7-Gottardi or 4-Latina (every 10 minutes, timetables).
Route planning using Google maps works well for public transportation. Uber is not offering rides in the Modena area.
Accommodation
If you stay around the city center (e.g. via booking.com or airbnb), you will have a good combination of easy access to the conference venue as well as proximity to restaurants, bars, museums, and shopping.
Things to do in and around Modena
Modena is a city and province of Emilia-Romagna, a region of northern Italy, with a population of 180 thousand people. It’s an ancient town but today it is known for its automotive industry and its cuisine.
In the city center, there are three sites that from 1997 have been declared part of the UNESCO World Heritage: the civic tower, better known as the Ghirlandina, the symbol of the city, the Cathedral and Piazza Grande. Moreover, there is the Baroque Ducal Palace of Modena. It was the residence of the Este Dukes of Modena between 1452 and 1859 and today it houses a portion of the Italian Military Academy.
Modena is worldwide known for its Balsamic Vinegar and the Parmigiano Reggiano. In the city center, you can taste them along with all the typical homemade pasta and wines. Not far from the center it is also possible to visit an “acetaia” (Vinegar factory) or a “caseificio” (Cheese factory).
Two very interesting attractions that are slightly outside the city are the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.
