BIECPO

The city of Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, a northern Italian region. Home to the oldest University in the Western world, the "University of Bologna" founded in 1088, Bologna is a highly sophisticated city with one of the best quality of life and highest living standard in the whole nation. This is due to its strong industrial tradition, its wide range of highly-developed social services, and its physical location at the crossing-point of the most important highways and railways in the country. Until the early nineteenth century, when a large-scale urban reconstruction project was undertaken, Bologna stood as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe; to this day it is unique in its historic value. Despite having suffered considerable bombing damage in 1944, Bologna's historic centre contains a wealth of important Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments.

Bologna developed along the Via Emilia as an Etruscan city and later Roman colony; the Via Emilia still runs straight through the city under the changing names of Strada Maggiore, Rizzoli, Ugo Bassi, and San Felice. The original Roman ramparts were supplanted by a high medieval system of fortifications, remains of which are still visible, and finally by a third and final set of ramparts built in the thirteenth century, of which numerous sections survive. Over twenty medieval defensive towers, some of them leaning precariously, still stand from the over two hundred that were constructed in the Middle Ages. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), for which the city is famous. In total, there are some 38 km of arcades in the city's historical center (over 45 km in the city proper), which make it possible to walk for long distances sheltered from rain, snow, or hot summer sun. The Portico of San Luca, one of the longest in the world (3.5 km, 666 arcades) connects Porta Saragozza (one of the twelve gates of the ancient medieval wall) with the San Luca Sanctuary, on Colle della Guardia, over the city (289 m.)

Climate

October is a quite sunny month with an average temperature of 15-20°C. Since rain showers are possible, light clothing and a raincoat are recommended.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts, 50 cycles AC. Round-pin plugs only can be used in Italian sockets. Please use an adapter plug and a voltage converter if you need 110/120 volt appliances.

Currency & Value Added Tax (VAT)

The Italian currency is Euro (€). Credit cards and traveler cheques are accepted almost everywhere. VAT (in Italian IVA) is charged on most goods except when purchased in duty-free shops and it is included in the quoted price. The current rate may range from 10% to 20% depending upon item. If you produce items and tax invoices, VAT may be refunded at international airports.

Shopping

Shops generally open from Monday through Saturday at 9:00 - 13:00. and 15:30 - 19:30. Most of the shop along Via Indipendenza, Via Clavature and Via d’Azeglio open also on Sundays. On Thursday afternoons, several shops are closed.

Insurance Disclaimer

Please arrange your own travel and health care insurance. The organizers will not be held liable for accidents, theft and property damage, nor for delays or any modification of the program.

Visa Requirements

All foreign participants must have a valid passport except the European Union citizens, who need only an identification card. Invitation letters to apply for a visa will be sent by the Secretariat (mtusa@allmeetings.it) upon request. To know whether you need a visa, please check at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web Site.

Transportations

Tickets can be bought on-board in most buses and also in newspaper stands and tobacco shops (to be validated when entering the bus).

Single Tkt (1 hour): 1,20 Euro or 1,50 Euro on the bus
Daily Tkt (1 day): 4,00 Euros
City Pass (10 Tkts): 11,00 Euros
Aerobus (from/to the airport/center): 6,00 Euros

http://www.atc.bo.it

Private cars

Private cars are not allowed in the city centre, including the area of the Conference site, but hotel customers are allowed to reach their hotels (ask to your hotel.
The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h (80 mi/h) and 100km/h (60 mi/h) when raining. The speed limit on country roads is 90 km/h (60 mi/h), while being 50 km/h (31 mi/h) in cities and villages, unless otherwise specified. On these roads, lights must be switched on during all the day. Safety belts are compulsory.

Emergency numbers

Ambulance: 118
Police: 113 - 112
Fire brigade: 115
Medical Center: 848 832 832

Emergency hospital

Sant'Orsola Hospital
Via Massarenti - Phone. 848 884 888

Marconi Airoport

Phone. +39 051-6479615 (every day from 6.30 up to 21.30)

Taxi

Taxi CAT +39 051 53 41 41
Taxi COTABO +39 051 37 27 27

Rent a car

HERTZ (http://www.hertz.it/)
1. Via Amendola 16, Bologna
Call +39 051 254830

AVIS (http://www.avisautonoleggio.it/)
1. Bologna Aeroport - Call: +39 051 6472032
2. Via Marco Polo 91/A - Call: +39 051 6341632