XIX SYMPOSIUM NEURORADIOLOGICUM
The World Congress of Diagnostic & Therapeutic Neuroradiology

Venice

INFORMATION ABOUT BOLOGNA

Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna is one of the most developed cities in Italy. Bologna often ranks as one of the top cities, in terms of quality of life in Italy. 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.
Bologna remained one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe; to this day it remains unique in its historic value. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), for which the city is famous. In total, there are some 38 kilometres of arcades in the city's historical center, which make it possible to walk for long distances sheltered from rain, snow, or hot summer sun.
Bologna is also home to numerous important churches.

TRANSPORTATION
Bologna is a relatively easy city to get around. The centre is fairly compact and most of the sights are within easy walking. The city is pedestrianised and offers an excellent bus network and local railway . Alternatively, if you prefer to be driven around Bologna there are plenty of taxis, although these can be an expensive way to travel around Bologna.
Bologna is served by Bologna International Airport,  Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) and also Forlì Airport (Società Esercizio Aeroporti). ATC Aerobus connects the city with the airports and leaves from the train station roughly every 15 or 20 minutes until midnight.

BANK AND EXCHANGE
The national currency in Italy is the euro (€). Banks are normally open Monday to Friday 08.30-13.30 hrs. and 15.00-16.00 hrs. They are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Many banks have automatic currency exchange machines that also take credit cards. 
Exchange offices at airports and main railway stations are normally open 06.00 - 22.00 hrs.
The main international credit cards (VISA, American Express, Diners, Eurocard/Mastercard) are widely accepted in most large retail outlets, petrol stations, hotels and restaurants. Please beware, however, that smaller businesses may not accept credit card payment and you are advised to check prior to purchase. 
Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants, but tips are welcome.
Travellers cheques are best exchanged at an  exchange office ("Cambio") as they are not accepted as payment in general stores, restaurants and hotels. Banks also often decline to change travellers cheques.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Bologna has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperature in October is 10°/19°C degree.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
European Community passport holders do not need a visa to visit Italy. Many other nationalities are also exempt for stays of up to 3 months, however, if in doubt we advise you to check before travelling with your local Italian embassy or consulate.

PHONE NUMBERS
The most important telephone numbers in case of emergency are: 113 or 112 for calling the police/carabinieri, 115 for the fire brigade, 118 for ambulance service.

ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V AC, 50Hz. Plugs have two or three round pins. Foreign voltage could require an adapter.

FOOD & WINE
Bologna is renowned for its culinary tradition. It has given its name to the well-known Bolognese sauce, a meat based pasta sauce called in Italy ragù alla bolognese but in the city itself just ragù as in Tagliatelle al ragù. Situated in the fertile Po River Valley, the rich local cuisine depends heavily on meat and cheese. As in all of Emilia-Romagna, the production of cured pork meat such as prosciutto, mortadella and salame is an important part of the local food industry. Well-regarded nearby vineyards include Pignoletto dei Colli Bolognesi, Lambrusco di Modena and Sangiovese di Romagna. Tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini served in broth and mortadella, the original Bologna sausage are among the local specialties.

SHOPPING
The four main shopping streets (Via dell'Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Rizzoli and Via D'Azeglio) lead off Piazza Maggiore in crossroad formation. All the big-name Italian designers are found here, as well as a proliferation of antiques and books. 
Most shops open 09.30-13.00 hrs and 15.30-19.30 hrs, although the bigger stores stay open all day.
There is a daily book market in Piazza Maggiore, open in the mornings during the winter months. An antiques market in Piazza Santo Stefano is open during normal shopping hours every second weekend of the month (excluding January, July and August) and a flea market sets up shop from dawn to dusk, every Friday and Saturday, at the Parco della Montagnola. A collectors' market, Celo' Celo' Mamanca, in the former Jewish ghetto, Via Valdonica and Piazza San Martino, is open every Thursday 09.00-19.00 (excluding July and August).
For a taste of Bologna, the delectable Mercato delle Erbe, on Via Ugo Bassi, sells fresh fruit and vegetables every morning 07.15-13.00 and evening 17.00-19.00, except Sunday, and there is a daily produce market on Via Clavature, east of Piazza Maggiore. Tamburini, Via Caprarie 1, is the place to buy homemade pasta, local ham and cheese or to enjoy your meal at the sit-down restaurant at the back.