General Information
A great place!
Once the richest city in the world, famous for its seafaring prowess, La Superba’s glories can still be seen in its medieval gates, fine palazzi and renowned cuisine. Birthplace of blue jeans, Christopher Columbus and the cross of Saint George, Genoa was one of the world’s greatest trading powers in medieval times. The legacy of that wealth can still be seen in the city gates, fine palazzi and austere churches with lavish interiors. But it’s a city on a human scale – walkable for those with good legs to cope with districts that spread up not just steep hills but sheer cliffs. Over-tourism is not an issue here. For years most visitors would fly in to Genoa airport and head straight for the Cinque Terre, but in recent years the authorities have started using history, culture and, above all, food to tempt people to stop and appreciate the glories of the city called La Superba.
Old port and cathedral. Genoa’s history and fortunes started at its Porto Antico, active since the fifth century BC. Today, following Renzo Piano’s renovations, the waterfront houses the aquarium (with Piano’s Biosphere), several museums, an open-air pool and myriad restaurants and bars. Notice Palazzo San Giorgio, on Piazza Caricamento: built in 1260, it later became a jail (famous prisoner: Marco Polo) and in the early 1400s housed the world’s first bank – Christopher Columbus was an account holder. Turn inland (stopping for a snack of speciality bread from Focaccia e Dintorni at Via di Canneto Il Curto 54-56r if you’re hungry), to Genoa’s pretty white-and-grey-striped cathedral with, in a corner of the nave, an unexploded shell fired by the British navy in 1941. Walk on past the cathedral to 12th-century Porta Soprana gate: just beyond it is the site of Christopher Columbus’s house, reconstructed in the 18th century.
Visitor Information
Passports & Visa
Every person entering Italy should have a valid passport and/or identification card. You may need a Visa depending of your country of origin. Please contact the nearest Italy Embassy or Consulate to your home for further information on Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his / her visa requirements. Attendees who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 1.5 months in advance of the Conference period.
The Congress Office can issue, upon request, an official letter of invitation (for accepted authors only). Please apply to: [email protected]
Money and Currency
Credit cards are accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants (there is usually a minimum amount of between €7 and €15). For cash, you will find cash-points in many places in the city center (24 hours a day).
Bank branches, exchange office and some post offices handle currency exchange transactions and traveller’s cheques.
Whatever you are buying, prices are inclusive of service and all taxes.
Calling
To call Italy in Italy: 0 + number (9 digits)
To call Italy from abroad: 00 + 39 + number (9 digits)
To call abroad: 00 + country code + number
Opening Hours
Shops are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. Department stores may stay open until 9 pm. Banks are open from 8.30 to 12 noon and 2 to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, with some branches opening on Saturday mornings.
A few tips for a pleasant trouble-free stay
You are not allowed to smoke in indoor public places. You are strongly recommended to respect smoking/no smoking signs.
It is always useful to have a little cash on you at all times for little out-of-pocket expenses like taxi fares to the airport, drinks, etc.
If you are driving, park only where authorized and respect speed limits on highways and motorways.
Health Insurance and Health Emergencies
The Organizers will accept no liability for personal injuries sustained by or for loss or damage to property belonging to Congress participants, either during or as a result of the Congress or during all events. Participants are strongly recommended to seek insurance coverage for health and accident, lost luggage and trip cancellation.
Emergency phone numbers
Dial the following numbers (toll-free)
SAMU (medical emergencies): 118
Police emergency: 113
Fire-brigade: 115
European emergency call: 803.116