Palermo Resource Guide

Transcript

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Introduction & City Areas...............................................................................................8
Airport Information......................................................................................................10
Baby Sitting & Maid Services........................................................................................11
Banking Services............................................................................................................12
Bookshops & Libraries..................................................................................................14
Cinemas & Theatres......................................................................................................15
Embassies - Consulates..................................................................................................16
Expat & Support Groups...............................................................................................19
Groceries & Supermarkets.............................................................................................20
Holidays & Festivities....................................................................................................21
Hospital & Medical Services..........................................................................................22
International Schools.....................................................................................................24
Internet Cafés................................................................................................................26
Museums and Historical Sites........................................................................................27
Parks..............................................................................................................................28
Pharmacies....................................................................................................................29
Police Stations...............................................................................................................30
Postal Services................................................................................................................31
Public Transport............................................................................................................32
Pubs - Clubs..................................................................................................................33
Religious Associations....................................................................................................34
Restaurants....................................................................................................................35
Shopping.......................................................................................................................37
Sport & Leisure.............................................................................................................38
Useful Numbers............................................................................................................39
Utilities..........................................................................................................................40
FAQ..............................................................................................................................42
Located by the Mediterranean Sea, the city has throughout its history
been under different rulers, ranging from the Romans to the Byzanties, the
Arabs to the Normans, the Swabians to the French and from the Spaniards
to the Austrians. All the successive rulers have all left their marks on the
city, making it today a city of vast cultural and architectural styles.
In 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi and his army conquered Palermo thus annexing Sicily to the newly united Italy. Palermo slowly began to expand and
the city became one of the most strategic cities in the Mediterranean area.
In 1947, despite being badly damaged by bombings during the Second
World War, Palermo became the capital of Sicily and the seat of the
Regional Sicilian Government.
City Overview
Palermo Facts
Population: approx. 700,000
National status: Republic
Currency: € Euro
Time zone: GMT + 1
Main airport: Falcone-Borsellino
Emergency numbers:
113 (Local police)
112 (National police)
115 (Fire)
118 (Ambulance)
Palermo’s old city centre covers an area of more than 240 hectares and is one of the largest of
its kind in Europe. The area contains more than 500 buildings including palaces, churches
and the grand total of seven theatres!
The heart of the old city centre is the octagonal Piazza Vigliena (better known as Quattro
Canti di Città). The square is surrounded by four, rounded corners and the centre is richly
decorated by fountains and statues. Each corner is divided into three orders – the four
seasons, the four kings of Spain and the four Patron Saints of Palermo. Each of the saints
supposedly protects the city quarter lying beneath him/her. The square was for a long time
the centre of the entire city, an elegant place for walks, the exchange of news and gossip and
the market for servants looking for work.
Adjacent to the square is Piazza Pretoria, best known for the beautiful fountain in the heart
of the Piazza and the 15th century Town Hall. Close to Piazza Pretoria is Piazza Bellini with
some of the finest buildings of the city, including the Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio church.
Founded in 1143, the church has several Byzantine decorations along with various elements
of baroque style architecture.
In the same Piazza there is also the San Cataldo church, built with the influences of both Arab and Norman architecture. Finally,
there is also the Bellini theatre, dating back to the 18th century, but restored in the 19th century.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which crosses Via Maqueda (by Piazza Vigliena) and links Palazzo Reale to the sea, is the most
important street in the city. At the highest point of the street, the Arabs originally built the Palace of the Emirs, which later became
the Royal Palace in Palermo. In 1581, the street was extended all the way to the seaside and two great gates, Porta Nuova and
Porta Felice, where built at both ends of the street.
Another of Palermo’s main streets is Via Roma, built as part of the modernization process in 1885. The purpose of the street was to
connect the railway station with the port area. The process was not without controversy as numerous buildings had to be destroyed
or drastically changed in order to make way for the new street.
Another famous landmark is the city’s Cathedral, built by the Normans on the same place where in early Christian times a sanctuary
stood. The cathedral has undergone various drastic transformations throughout history, most noteworthy is the addition of the
southern portico (built in the 15th/16th century) and the cupola, built in the 18th century.
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City Areas
The main residential area in Palermo is located on the northern side of the city, stretching
from Teatro Massimo along Via Ruggero Settimo and all of Via Libertà until it reaches the countryside
of Mondello.
The first part of this area is limited to apartments, some built recently, others built in a neoclassic style many years previously.
Parking in this area can be difficult, despite the availability of private garages.
In the second part of the area, stretching from the other half of Via Libertà from the Teatro Politeama through to Piazza Croci,
the area is made up of trees and old buildings that have been renovated recently. Shopping facilities are also very good in this part.
On the right side of Piazza Croci is the beautiful English Garden (see picture right). Just before the Modello area, one can find
the area of Pallavicino, which is made up predominately of detached houses and spacious villas with gardens and garage.
Mondello is located approximately ten kilometres from the city centre, situated between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo and
is an attractive area close to the beach. It is a small area, however, shopping, sport and entertainment facilities are good. Because
of the location, Mondello can be very chaotic during the summer when the locals and the tourists escape to the seaside, but it is
nevertheless an attractive residential area because of its location.
In all the residential areas mentioned above, shopping facilities of all kinds such as supermarkets, open markets, bakeries, butcheries
etc. can be found. Sporting facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, football and basketball courts are also available. The
areas are also all in the vicinity of restaurants, cinemas, pubs and clubs.
9
Airport Information
The nearest airport to Palermo is Falcone-Borsellino Airport, also known as Punta Raisi and
it is located approximately 40 kilometres from Palermo.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
BUS
Prestia & Commandè provides shuttle bus services between the airport and the city
centre (Central Train Station and Piazza Politeama). The bus departs from the airport
daily (including public holidays) every 30 minutes between 08:45 and 23:30. The bus
is located near the main Arrivals exit of the airport.
From the Central Station, the bus leaves daily (including public holidays) every 30
minutes from 05:00 to 23:00 to the airport Departure section.
Tickets cost 5 Euros and the trip takes approximately 50 minutes each way. For more
information see the company website:
wwww.prestia-comande.it.
There is also another shuttle bus company, Airport Easy Shuttle, which provides 24
hour door to door service. The price for 1 or 2 passengers is 30 euros and 5 Euros extra
for each additional passenger. For service between 22:00 and 06:00 an extra 8 euros is
charged. For more information, see the company website: www.airporteasyshuttle.it.
TAXI
Taking a taxi between the airport and the city centre of Palermo costs approximately
35 Euros and takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
The two main taxi companies in Palermo are:
Associazione Autisti Trinacria Taxi (Viale Leonardo Da Vinci, 111, tel 091 225455/091
6825441) and Cooperativa Autoradiotaxi di Palermo (Viale de Gasperi, tel. 091
513311/091 512737).
TRAIN
A train connects the airport with the Central Train Station, leaving from the
airport hourly every day between 05:40 and 23:40. From the Central Train
Station the train leaves every hour between 04:45 and 22:10. The ticket costs
4,50 Euros. Approximate travel time is 50 minutes.
Airport Hotels
There are no hotels located in the
immediate vicinity of the airport. The
hotels below are the main hotels found
towards and within central Palermo.
Azzolini Hotel
Km 286400
Strada Statale 113 Carini
Tel. 091 8674755
Fax 091 8675747
Grande Albergo Sole
Corso Vittorio Emanuele 291
Tel. 091 6041111
Fax 091 6110182
Excelsior Palace Hotel
Via Marchese Ugo 3
Tel. 091 6256176
Fax 091 342139
[email protected]
www.excelsiorpalermo.it
Grand Hotel Federico II
Via Principe di Granatelli 60
Tel. 092 3711822
Fax 092 3711888
www.classicahotels.com/grandhotelfedericoII.htm
For more information about
the airport, please go to
the official website:
www.gesap.it
CAR RENTAL
These are the car rental companies located at the airport:
Sixt
Tel. 091 6511393 / 199 100666
www.sixt.it
Avis Autonolegio
Tel. 091 591684,
Fax 091 591654
www.avisautonoleggio.it
Holiday Car Rental
Tel. 091 591687/ 091 325155
Fax 091 329663
www.holidaycarrental.it
Hertz Italiana S.pa
Tel. 091213112/ 199 112211
www.hertz.it
Italy by Car
Tel. 800 846083 / 091 6519813
Fax 091 6115801
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Babysitting
When looking for a baby-sitter or a maid you have various options to choose from. Usually,
these services are available in three options; hourly, daily, or live-in. We highly recommend that
you request and check all applicants’ references.
Should you require Babysitting or Maid services, your Local Counsellor can source some suitable candidates and arrange interviews
at your convenience.
Hourly
These workers are usually Italian and Non-Italian. This kind of
help is easy to find, readily available, and not very expensive. The
going rate is approx. 5 - 7 Euros an hour as much depends on the
number of hours worked.
Daily
These workers are usually Non-Italians who have their own place to live,
but work at the home of one employer for the entire day. They are called
‘lungo orario’ and work a fixed number of hours (usually starting at 07:00
or 08:00 and ending at 17.00 or 18.00 from Mon through Sat)a day. The
salary they earn varies greatly depending on the agreement initially agreed
upon. Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes the salary depends on the
nationality of the worker. Workers from the hillippines command a higher
salary in comparison to most other Non-Italian home help.
Live- in
It is not uncommon to have a person living with a family who takes care
of both the house and the children, these are called ‘Fisso’. There are
large numbers of Non-Italian workers usually from the Phillipines, Latin
America, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia who eagerly seek this kind of position,
as it provides work, food, and board. The average salary for a ‘fisso’ is
between 600 - 800 Euros a month.
HOW DO I FIND THESE SERVICES?
The most common way to find a baby sitter is through word of
mouth, i.e. asking around for reliable, qualified, and experienced
people. Otherwise people find baby-sitters through ads in the
newspapers (Gazzetta Affari/Business), or through temporary job
agencies. For home help one can also contact “Imprese di pulizia”
(Cleaning Companies).
Babysitting and Cleaning
Agencies
Babysitters Assistenti per l’Infazia
Via Leonardo da Vinci 396
Tel. 091 6764327
Emanuele T.
Via Dam. Almeyda 52
Tel. 091 6262831
MAID/CLEANING SERVICES
Centro Pulizia s.r.l.
Via degli Orti 9
Tel. 091301339 / 199 765442
Fax 091 300070
[email protected]
www.centropulizia.com
La Perla
Via Maltese 104
Tel. 091 6710848
Fax 091 6710982
I.P.A. s.r.l.
Via A. Di Dio 7
Tel. 091 308669
Fax 091 307813
Igienic Pulizi a s.n.c.
Via Tommaso Natale 121/135 a
Tel. 091 6797762
Fax 091 6797385
Ecogreen
Via G. Tranchino 16
Tel. 091 6712165
Eco Servizi
Via G. Evangelista Di Blasi 161a
Tel./fax 091 406480
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Banking
The banking system in Italy is well organized and offers a full range of services. Banks are generally open
from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 13.30 and for 60 to 90 minutes in the afternoon between 14.30
and 16.00, they are always closed at weekends.
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
In order to open a bank account you
will need to go in person to the bank
o f yo u r c h o i c e w i t h t h e f o l l ow i n g
documentation:
- Passport (NB This applies also to EU
citizens – passport is only form of ID
accepted)
- Fiscal code
- Salary Sheet
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE
There are two types of current accounts
available:
Resident’s Account - If you are already
registered at the Town Hall. Bank fees
are cheaper than those of non – resident
accounts and you are entitled to all
services the bank provides:
- Credit Card
- ATM/Debit Card (‘Bancomat’)
- Cheque book
- On line banking
Non-Resident’s Account – You can
open a bank account even if you are not
yet registered at the Town Hall. Bank
fees are higher and you are entitled to
fewer services which vary from bank to
bank but generally include only ATM
Card and a cheque book.
In order to open a joint bank account,
both parties must go to the bank in
person. There are two different kinds
of joint bank account:
‘Conto corrente cointestato a firme
disgiunte’ - where either person can
make transactions without the other’s
signature.
‘Conto corrente cointestato a firme
congiunte’- where both signatures are
required for every transaction.
SERVICES PROVIDED
ATM/DEBIT CARD (‘BANCOMAT’)
A Bancomat card can be used to pay for
items directly and to withdraw cash in
Italy and abroad.
Almost all ATM machines are available
24-hours. They are located outside
banks, in shopping malls, in airports,
train stations, large hospitals.
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Be aware that if you use your own bank’s ATM
machines, operations are free of charge; on the
other hand if you use ATM machines of other
banks you will be charged a handling fee – this
varies from bank to bank but is between 1 and
3 Euros for each action.
Ser vices available through ATM machines
are:
- Mobile SIM recharge
- Bank statement consultation
- Utilities bills payment
- Cash and cheque deposit
In case of theft or loss of a Bancomat, it
is necessary to block it. This can be done
by d i a l i n g t h e f o l l ow i n g t o l l - f re e p h o n e
numbers:
- For Bancomats with a chip: 800 902631
- For Standard Bancomats: 800 822 056
CREDIT CARD
Credit cards can be used to pay directly at
shops or on line, to pay utilities bills if you
have this facility, to withdraw money from
ATM machines (interest rate is charged for
this service)
Italian credit card accounts have to either be
settled on a monthly basis by funds being
withdrawn from your current account (check
debit date with your bank) or by monthly
installments in case you opt for the revolving
option (check interest rates with your bank).
Most common credit cards are:
AMEX 800.131.141
VISA: 800 819 014
MASTERCARD: 800.269.269
DINERS CLUB: 06.35.75.333
In case of theft or loss of cards, the numbers to
call are as follows:
AMEX: 06 72 2803 71 or 06 72 282 or 800.
87 2000
VISA: 800.207.167
MASTER CARD: 800.207.167
DINERS CLUB: 800 86 40 64
CHEQUE BOOK
A cheque (Assegno Bancario) can be used to
make payments and the sum will be debited
from your bank account on the same day if
it is cashed on the same bank, otherwise it
generally takes 6 working days to debit/credit
your account Cheques are not usually accepted
in shops, airports or train stations but are most
often used in for the payment of services or
between private individuals.
Cheques can either be:
Assegno bancario trasferibile
(Transferable cheque): this kind of cheque
can be cashed by a different person than
the one in whose name the check was
originally written out , by signing it on the
back (in italian “girata”, or ‘turned over’).
Transferable cheques can be for a value of
up to E 12.500,00 only. If the cheque is
cashed by the person it was written out to
or transferred to, the individual must write
their “codice fiscale” (italian fiscal code)
on the back of the cheque. If the cheque
is instead paid into a bank account the
“codice fiscale” is not required.
A ssegno bancario non trasferibile (
Account payee only cheque ): this kind of
cheque can be cashed only by the person
in who’s name it was written . All cheques
of a value greater than E12.500,00 must
be account payee only.
Assegno circolare ( Open/bearer cheque):
this kind of cheque is payable to the person
it was written out to and who presents it
for payment at a counter of the same bank
that issued it. It is issued by the bank of
an individual that has a bank account
with that bank (in this case the sum will
be deducted from the bank account in
question) or in the case of an individual
who does not have a bank account the
value of the cheque must be paid in cash to
the bank. An assegno circolare must to be
cashed within 30 days of its date of issue.
Checks issued for amounts greater than or
equal to 1,000 EUR clause must be duly
NON-TRANSFERABLE.
To the account are given a checkbook
personal and not transferable, the old
books should be explicitly asked and
involve a stamp duty of 1.5 euro for each
form of a check, payable to the Bank and
from this to the state.
ON LINE BANKING
The online banking service allows you to:
- Perform a financial transaction such as
an account to account transfer
- Monitor your bank statement and list of
movements (incoming and outgoing)
- Recharge your mobile phone
Popular italian banks
Exchange Services
Intesa San Paolo
Unicredit Banca
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
Banco Popolare
UBI Banca
BNL – Gruppo BNP Paribas
Banca Popolare di Milano - BPM
Banco Posta
In Italy there are lots of change offices that are usually
open non-stop from 8:30 to 20:00. Travelers’ cheques,
money transfers, and cash advances on Credit Cards
are available.
Change offices can be found in the centre of the city
(tourist areas) and in airports and larger train stations.
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Bookshops and Libraries
Below is a list of bookshops and libraries where books in original language may be available
or can be ordered.
Libreria dello Studente
Via P. Amodei 10/12
Tel. 091 6114867
Fax 091 6117018
Books available in French,
English and Spanish
Libreria Mondadori
Via Roma 287
Tel. 091 325492
Fax 091 325439
[email protected]
www.mondadoripa.com
La Feltrinelli
Via Maqueda 395/399
Tel. 091 587785/ 091 323766
Fax 091 587401
www.lafeltrinelli.it
Books available in French,
English, German and Spanish
Nike
Via Marchese Ugo 76/78
Tel. 091 6259336
Fax 091 340220
Travel Cafè Libreria
Via Carducci 18
Tel. 091 336900
Fax 091 336908
[email protected]
Guides, maps, travel books
Biblioteca Comunale
Piazza Casa Professa 1
Tel. 091 7407570 / 091 7407571
Fax 091 7407584
Main public library in Palermo.
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Fazio Libri
C.so Vittorio Emanuele 395
Tel./fax 091 333246
Liberia Paoline
C.so V. Emanuele 456
Tel. 091 6512158/091 6512255
Fax 091 6513392
Foreign newspapers can
be bought at the following
locations:
Piazza Castelnuovo
Piazza Verdi
Piazzetta Vittoria (Cattedrale)
Via Maqueda 326
Cinemas & Theatres
The below cinemas usually show films dubbed in italian.
MAIN CINEMAS
ABC Soges s.r.l.
Via E. Amari 166
Tel. 091 329246
Ariston
Via Pirandello 5
Tel. 091 6258547
Arlecchino
Via Imp. Federico 12
Tel. 091 6372355
Marconi
Via Cuba 12
Tel. 091 421574
Dante
P.zza Stazione Lolli 21
Tel. 091 6121161
Fiamma
Via Magliocco 45
Tel. 091 6116761/091 6121199
Films in English are shown once a week
during the winter.
Golden
Via Terra Santa 62
Tel. 091 6264702
Jolly
Via D. Costantino 54/56
Tel. 091 341263
Films in English are shown once a week
during the winter.
Tiffano
Viale Piemonte 38
Tel. 091 6258974
MAIN THEATRES
Teatro Massimo
Piazza Verdi 9
Tel. 800 655858/091 6053515/091
6053111
Fax 091 322949
www.teatromassimo.it
Metropolitan
V.le Strasburgo 358
Tel. 091 6882392
[email protected]
www.teatrometropolitan.it
Teatro Lelio
Via Antonio Puritano 5a
Tel. 091 6819122
www.teatrolelio.it
Teatro Biondo
Via Roma 258
Tel. 091 7434311
091 7432337/091 7434341
www.teatrobiondo.it
Teatro Zappalà
Via Autonomia Siciliana 125
Tel. 091 543380/091 362764
Teatro Libero
Piazza Marina 38
Tel. 091 6174040
Fax 091 6173712
[email protected]
www.teatroliberopalermo.it
Teatro delle Marionette
Via Butera 1
Tel. 091 328060
Fax 091 328276
15
Embassies and Consulates
Embassies and Consulates in Rome:
americaS
Argentina
Piazzale Esquilino 2, 00185 Roma
Tel. 06 48 80 296
Belize
Via Emilio de Cavalieri 12, 00198
Roma
Tel. 06 84 17 907
Bolivia
Via Brenta 2, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 88 41 001
Brazil
Via di S. Maria dell’ Anima 32
00186 Roma
Tel: 06 6789353
Canada
Via G.B. De Rossi 27, 00161
Roma
Tel. 06 44 59 81
www.canada.it
Chile
Via Po 23, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 88 41 433
Colombia
Via Pisanelli 4, 00196 Roma
Tel. 06 36 14 348
Costa Rica
Via B. Eustachio 22, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 251 046
Cuba
Via Licinia 7, 00153 Roma
Tel. 06 57 82 032
Dominican Republic
Via Pisanelli 1, 00196 Roma
Tel. 06 36 00 43 77
Equador
Piazza Albania 10, 00153 Roma
Tel: 06 57 56 482
16
El Salvador
Via Castellini 13, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 76 605
Jamaica
Via G. Sgambati 1, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 42 494
Guatemala
Via Colli della Farnesina 128, 00194 Roma
Tel. 06 36 307 392
Haiti
Via di Villa Patrizi 7, 00161 Roma
Tel 06 44 254 106
Honduras
Via G. B Vico 40, 00196 Roma
Tel. 06 32 20 516
Mexico
Via Spallanzani 16, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 11 51
Nicaragua
Via Brescia 16, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 13 471
Panama
Viale Regina Margherita 239, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 44 252 173
Paraguay
Via Castro Pretorio 116, 00185 Roma
Tel. 06 44 65 517
Perù
Via F. Siacci 4, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 70 578
United States of America
Via Veneto 119a, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 46 741
www.usembassy.it
Uruguay
Via Veneto 183, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 48 21 776
Venezuela
Via Tartaglia 11, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 79 019
AFRICA
Algeria
Via B. Oriani 26, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 84 141
Angola
Via F. Bernardini 21, 00165 Roma
Tel. 06 39 36 65 70
Burkina Faso
Via Alessandria 26, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 44 24 97 25
Cameroon
Via Siracusa 4/6, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 29 12 85
Cape Verde
Via G. Carducci 4, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 47 44 643
Congo (Brazzaville)
Via Barberini 3, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 42 01 07 79
Congo (Kinshasa)
Via Ombrone 8/10, 00198 Roma
Tel. 347 55 67 732
Egypt
Via Salaria 267, 00199 Roma
Tel. 06 84 40 191
Ethiopia
Via Vesalio 16, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 03 652
Gabon
Via Mercalli 25, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 69 13 90
www.ambassade-gabon-rome.org
Ghana
Via Ostriana 4, 00199 Roma
Tel. 06 86 21 56 91
Guinea
Via A. Ristori 8/13, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 78 989
Ivory Coast
Via Guglielmo Saliceto 8, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 23 11 29
Kenya
Via Archimede 164, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 82 717
Tunisia
Via Asmara 7, 00199 Roma
Tel. 06 86 03 060
Lesotho
Via Serchio 8, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 42 496
Zimbabwe
Via Virgilio 5, 00193 Roma
Tel. 06 68 30 82 82
Liberia
Via A. Vivaldi 15, 00199 Roma
Tel. 06 86 32 90 34
ASIA AND OCEANIA
Libya
Via Nomentana 365, 00162 Roma
Tel. 06 86 32 09 51
Madagascar
Via Zandonai 84/a, 00194 Roma
Tel. 06 36 30 01 83
Mali
Via Antonio Bosio 2, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 25 40 68
Marocco
Via Spallanzani 8/10, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 02 506
Mauritania
Via G. Paisiello 26, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 57 949
Afghanistan
Tel. 06 86 11 009
Australia
Via Alessandria 215, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 27 21
Bangladesh
Via Bertoloni 14, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 78 541
China
Via Bruxelles 56, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 88 48 186
Cyprus
Via Denza 15, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 88 365
Mozambique
Via Corridoni 14, 00195 Roma
Tel. 06 37 51 48 52
India
Via XX Settembre 5, 00187 Rome
Tel. 06-4884642/3/4/5
www.indianembassy.it
Niger
Via Baiamonti 10, 00195 Roma
Tel. 06 37 29 013
Indonesia
Via Campania 55 00187 Roma
Tel: 06 42 00 911
Nigeria
Via Orazio 14/18, 00193 Roma
Tel. 06 68 96 243
Israel
Via M. Mercati 12, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 21 541
roma.mfa.gov.il
Qatar
Via A. Bosio 14, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 24 94 50
Senegal
Via Giulia 66, 00186 Roma
Tel. 06 68 72 353
Rep. of South Africa
Via Tanaro 14, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 25 41
www.sudafrica.it
Sudan
Via Spallanzani 24, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 03 609
Tanzania
Via C. Beccaria 88, 00196 Roma
Tel. 06 36 00 52 34
Japan
Via Q. Sella 60, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 48 79 91
www.ambasciatajp.it
Jordan
Via Marchi 1/b, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 86 20 53 04
Myanmar
Via G. Rossini 18, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 49 374
merome.itgo.com
New Zeland
Via Zara 28, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 44 17 171
North Korea
Via Ludovico di Savoia 23, 00185
Roma
Tel. 06 77 20 90 94
Oman
Via della Camilluccia 625, 00135
Roma
Tel. 06 36 30 05 17
Pakistan
Via della Camilluccia 682, 00135
Roma
Tel. 06 36 30 17 75
www.pak.gov.pk
Philippines
Via delle Medaglie d’Oro 112,
00136 Roma
Tel. 06 39 74 66 21
Qatar
Via A. Bosio 14, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 24 94 50
Saudi Arabia
Via G.B. Pergolesi 9, 00198
Roma
Tel. 06 84 48 51
www.arabia-saudita.it
South Korea
Tel. 06 80 88 769
Syria
Piazza Aracoeli 1, 00186 Roma
Tel. 06 67 97 791
Sri Lanka
Via Cuboni Giuseppe 6/8 00197
Roma
Tel: 06 32 24 202
Kuwait
Via Archimede 124, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 78 415
Thailand
Viale Spalla Erminio 41, 00142
RomeTel. 06 50 30 805
Libanon
Via Carissimi 38, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 57 119
Uzbekistan
Via Tolmino 12, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 42 456
Malaysia
Tel. 06 84 15 764
Vietnam
Via Clitunno 34, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 43 223
17
Yemen
Viale Regina Margherita 1, 00198
Roma
Tel. 06 84 16 711
EUROPE
Albania
Via Asmara 5, 00199 Roma
Tel. 06 86 21 44 75
Armenia
Via Colli della Farnesina 174, 00194
Roma
Tel. 06 32 96 638
Austria
Via G.B. Pergolesi 3, 0198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 40 141
Belarus
Via delle Apli Apuane 16, 00141
Roma
Tel. 06 82 08 141
Georgia
Piazza di Spagna 20, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 69 94 19 72
Portugal
Viale Liegi 21, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 48 01
Germany
Via San Martino della Battaglia 4, 00185
Roma
Tel. 06 44 52 672
www.deutschebotschaft-rom.it
Romania
Via Tartaglia 36, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 72 541
www.roembit.org
Greece
Via Mercadante 36, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 19 719
Ireland
Piazza Campitelli 3, 00186 Roma
Tel. 06 69 79 121
Jugoslavia
Via Monti Parioli 20, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 00 805
Latvia
Tel. 06 88 41 227
Belgium
Via Monti Parioli 49, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 36 09 511
www.belgium.fgov.be
Lithuania
Viale di Villa Grazioli 9, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 59 052
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Via Albertelli Pilo 11, 00195 Roma
Tel: 06 37 28 509
Luxembourg
Via di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 90,
00185 Roma
Tel. 06 77 20 11 77
Bulgaria
Via Rubens 21, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 24 643
Macedonia
Via Bruxelles 73-75, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 24 11 09
Czech Republic
Via dei Gracchi 322, 00192 Roma
Tel. 06 32 44 459
Malta
Lungotevere Marzio 12, 00186 Roma
Tel. 06 68 79 990
Croatia
Via Bodio 74, 00191 Roma
Tel. 06 36 30 73 00
Moldavia
Via Montebello 8, 00185 Roma
Tel. 06 47 82 44 00
Denmark
Via. Monte Parioli 50, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 00 441
www.danishembassy.it
Monaco
Via Bertoloni 36, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 83 361
Estonia
Tel. 06 84 40 751
Netherlands
Via M. Mercati 8, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 15 827
www.olanda.it
Finland
Via Lisbona 3, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 22 31
France
Piazza Farnese 67, 00186 Roma
Tel. 06 68 60 11
18
Norway
Via Terme Deciane 7, 00153 Roma
Tel. 06 57 17 031
www.amb-norvegia.it
Poland
Via Rubens 20, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 32 16 073
www.ambasciatapolonia.it
Russia
Via Gaeta 5, 00185 Roma
Tel.44 68 683
San Marino
Via E. Duse 35, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 72 511
Slovakia
Via Colli della Farnesina 144, 00194 Roma
Tel. 06 36 71 51
Slovenia
Via L. Pisano 10, 00197 Roma
Tel. 06 80 81 075
Spain
Piazza di Spagna 55, 00187 Roma
Tel: 06 67 83 106
Sweden
Piazza Rio De Janeiro 3, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 19 41
Switzerland
Tel. 06 80 95 71
www.eda.admin.ch/roma
Turkey
Via Palestro 28, 00185 Roma
Tel. 06 44 52 209
UK and Northern Irleland
Via XX Settembre 80/a, 00187 Roma
Tel. 06 42 20 00 01
www.britain.it
Ukraine
Via G. d’Arezzo 7, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 17 854
www.amb-ucraina.com
Hungary
Via dei Villini 16, 00161 Roma
Tel. 06 44 23 05 67
Uzbekistan
Via Tolmino 12, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 84 13 706
Vatican City
Via Po 27, 00198 Roma
Tel. 06 85 52 092
www.vatican.va
Expatriate and Support Groups
EXPAT GROUPS
Americans Abroad Palermo
Tel. 348 5104196
Al Farabi Arab Cultural Centre
Via Ricasoli 29
Tel. 091 585859/091 332347
German Linguistic and Cultural
Centre
Via Vaccarini 1
Tel. 091 301795
19
Groceries and Supermarkets
There are several large supermarket chains in Italy that sell fresh produce as well as frozen,
canned, and packaged foods. Opening hours are usually between 08:30 and 20:00, Monday
to Saturday.
There are several smaller supermarkets spread across the city. The major supermarket
chains in Italy are GS Supermercati, PAM, Sidis, Coop, Eurospin, Sir, Todis, Auchan
and Euromercato.
Supermarkets
Speciality food shops
PIM
www.supermercatipim.it
Coffe & Wine
Via Mariano Accardo 52
Tel. 091 6827148
SIR
www.supermercatisir.it
Sfuso e Tradizioni
Via Evangelista di Blasi 183
Tel. 091 6764273
Local wines
Pastovo
Via Principe di Paternò 166
Tel. 091 343762
Freshly made pasta
Pastificio Nuccio
Via Zappalà 49c
Tel. 091 201660
Freshly made pasta
Casa dell’Uovo
Via Partanna Mondello 39i
Tel. 091 530632
Freshly picked eggs
Asian Market
Via Spezio 2
Tel. 091 335068
Specialità Siciliane
Viale De Gasperi 53
Tel. 091 511061
Sicilian specialities
Eurospin
www.eurospin.it
GS
www.g-s.it
CooP
www.coop.it
Todis
www.todis.it
Esselunga
www.esselunga.it
Penny Market
www.pennymarket.it
Conad
www.conad.it
Unicoop
www.coopfirenze.it
Pam
www.e-pam.it
Carrefour
www.carrefouritalia.it
Auchan
www.auchan.it
Elite
www.superelite.it
20
Holidays and Festivities
Mark national and regional public holidays on your calendar. Below you will find a complete list.
Apart from the national holidays contained in the box on the right, each city and town has a day dedicated to its
Patron Saint. There are 365 Patron Saints - one for each day of the year. The Patron Saint of Palermo is Santa Rosalia
and this is celebrated on July 15.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Although in recent years things have improved, Italy virtually ‘dies’ during the month of August. Many businesses close for
the entire month, as the Italians leave for the sea or mountains to escape the humidity and heat of the city.
August 15 is a holiday called ‘Ferragosto’. On this day any Italians who have remained in the city traditionally go to the countryside
for the day.
Everyday life in this period is almost completely put on hold in Italy, so forewarned is forearmed!
The Christmas period starts on Christmas Day and goes through to January 6th. Most businesses and schools close
for this entire period.
Calendar
January 1 New Year
January 6 Epiphany
March/April Easter
April 25 Liberation Day
May 1 Labour Day
June 29 Saint Peter & Saint Paul
(City of Rome)
August 15 Ferragosto
November 1 All Saints Day
December 8 Immaculate Conception
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Saint Steven
21
Hospitals and Medical Services
In Italy, your medical assistance options consist of the public Italian health care system or a
private insurance plan.
The public Italian health care system, ‘Servizio Sanitario Nazionale’, is practically free of charge, and includes medicine, visits to
the doctor, and hospitalization. There is, however, a ‘Ticket’ which has to be paid sometimes for a specific treatment or medicine.
Some private health care will be paid for by the National Health Care system. This means that if you are hospitialized in a private
hospital, only a fraction of the cost will have to be paid by the patient for the treatment received.
PUBLIC HEALTH CARE
In order for a foreigner to be eligible for care under the public system, some basic requirements are necessary: possession of a valid
visa, either student, employment - or self employment and/or family. Like in many other countries, the public health system can
be flawed with long waiting lists and sometimes inadequate facilities. That is why many, or at least those who can afford it, choose
to take out a private insurance policy as an alternative.
PRIVATE HEALTH CARE
Private insurance plans generally cost at least 1000 Euros per year, depending on the coverage provided. Private plans have the
advantage of providing disability payments if you are not able to work due to an illness.
The biggest Italian private insurance company is ‘Istituto Naionale delle Assicurazioni’ (INA). Others include ‘Sanicard’, ‘Filo Diretto’,
‘Europe Assistance’ and ‘Pronto Assistance’.
MAIN HOSPITAL WITH
EMERGENCY ROOM:
Azienda Ospedaliera V. Cervello
Via Trabucco 180
Tel. 091 6802787/091 6802111
Emergency tel. 091 6802720 / 091
6802685
[email protected] www.
ospedalecervello.it
Azienda Ospedaliera Villa Sofia
Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico
Via Fattori 36
Tel. 091 7801111/091 7808139
Emergency tel. 091 7804033
www.villasofia.com
Ospedale Civico e Benfratelli
P.zza Nicola Leotta 4
Tel. 091 6661111/800 272028
Emergency tel. 091 6665528 / 091
6665524 / 091 6665590
www.ospedalecivicopa.org
22
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico
Via Vespro 129
Tel. 091 6551111, 848 580655
Emergency tel. 091 6553729/091-6553797
[email protected]
www.policlinico.pa.it
Ospedale Ingrassia
Corso Calatafimi 1002
Tel. 091 7031111
Emergency tel. 091 7033613
WITHOUT EMERGENCY ROOMS:
Ospedale Buccheri La Ferla
Fatebenefratelli
Via Messina Marine 197
Tel. 091 479111
Azienda Ospedaliera Villa Sofia
P.zza Salerno 1
Tel. 091 525665/091 524755
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
113 (Local police)
112 (National police)
115 (Fire)
118 (Ambulance)
ENGLISH-SPEAKING DOCTORS AND DENTISTS
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Rosalia Silpi
Via Giuseppe Maielli 32
Tel. 339 6305918
Can also receive children above the age of 6.
PEDIATRICIAN
ISMETT
Clinic: Ospedale Civico
Padiglione di Chirurgia Toracica
Via C. Lazzaro 2a
Tel. 0916668111
www.ismett.edu
ORTHODEDIC SPECIALISTS
STATIC
Piazzale del Fante 16
Tel. 091 6703366
ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione)
American doctors. Specialises in treating diabetes, heart, kidney, lung and liver disease.
Administrative office: Piazza Sett’Angeli 10
Tel. 0916056511
Fax 091 331454
Clinic: Ospedale Civico
Padiglione di Chirurgia Toracica
Via C. Lazzaro 2a
Tel. 0916668111
www.ismett.edu
ALLERGY
Dr. La Tona
Via Trabucco 109
Via M. Giordano 130
Tel. 091 6889027
DENTIST
Giuseppe di Leo
Via Marchese di Villabianca 35
Tel. 091 6257140
23
International Schools
There are no international schools located in Palermo. However the Regional Educational Office of
Sicily can assist expat families placing their children in Italian schools where they are carefully followed
by a private tutor. For further details and assistance, please contact Emc Network.
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITIES
American University of Rome
Via Pietro Roselli 4
00153 Rome
Tel. 06 58 33 09 19
http://www.aur.edu/
European School of Economics
Largo Nazareno 15
00187 Rome
Tel. 06 67 80 503
Temple University Rome
Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, 15
00196 Rome
Tel. 06 32 02 808
[email protected]
http://www.temple.edu
John Cabot University
Via della Lungara 233,
00165 Rome
Tel. 06 68 19 121
[email protected]
http://www.johncabot.edu
Università degli Studi di Perugia
Piazza dell’Università, 1
06100 Perugia
Tel. 075 5851
Fax 075 585 2512
http://www.unipg.it
Teaching is conducted in Italian, but the
university accepts foreign students.
United World College of the Adriatic
O.N.L.U.S
Via Trieste 29
34103 Duino (Ts)
Trieste
Tel. 040 3739111
Fax 040 373920
SISSA / ISAS
Via Beirut 4
34014 Trieste
Tel. 040 37 87 463
Fax 040 3787528
http://www.sissa.it
24
St. John’s University
Via Santa Maria Mediatrice 22/24
00165 Rome
Tel. 06 39 38 42
[email protected]
http://new.stjohns.edu
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS:
GENOVA
English schools
International School in Genoa
(age range 3-18)
www.aisge.it
Via Quarto 13/c, Genoa, 16148 – IT
Tel. +39010386528
Fax +39010398700
Deutsche Schule Genua
(age range 4-18)
www.dsgenua.de
Via Mylius 1
16128 Genova
Tel. 010.564334
Fax. 010.5960318
Turin
French schools
Lycée français Jean Giono
www.lyceegionoturin.it
Viale Thovez, 11 - 10131 Turin
Tel : 011 660 29 55
English schools
A.C.A.T. - International School of Turin
www.acat-ist.it
Vicolo Tiziano, 10 - 10024 Moncalieri (TO)
Tel: 011 - 645.967
Fax: 011 - 643.298
MILANO AND HINTERLAND
French schools
Lycée Stendhal
www.lsmi.it
Via Laveno, 12 - 20148 Milano
Tel : (+39) 02.48.79.61
English schools
International School of Milan
www.ism-ac.it
Primary School
(Early Years and Elementary School) – via
Paravia 5
Tel: 02 40.41.261
Fax:02 48.71.58.63
Middle School – via Caccialepori 22
Tel: 02 48.70.80.76
Fax:02 48.70.36.44
High School – via G. Bellini 1
Tel: 02 42.29.05.77
Fax:02 42.35.428
American School of Milan
www.asmilan.org
Via K. Marx 14,
20090 Noverasco di Opera (MI)
Tel. 02 5300001
Fax. 02 9366093
Sir James Henderson School
www.sjhschool.com
Via Pisani Dossi, 16
20134 Milan
Tel. 02 210941
Fax. 02 21094 224
Bilingual European School
www.beschool.eu
Via Val Cismon 9
20162 Milano
Tel. 02-66117449
Fax: 0039-02-66116379
International School Como
Via Baserga n 81,
22100 Como
Tel: +39 031 57 22 89
www.iscomo.com
The European School of Varese
Via Montello, 118
21100 Varese
Tel. 0332 806111
www.scuolaeuropeadivarese.it
Japanese
Scuola Giapponese di Milano
www.mngitalia.net
Via Arzaga 10, 20146 Milano
Tel . 02-4150291
Fax . 02-48301078
German schools
Scuola Germanica di Milano
www.dsmailand.it
Via Legnano 24
20121 Milano
Tel. 02.6597614
Fax. 02.45499588
FLORENCE
French schools
Ecole Victor Hugo de Florence
http://ecole.florence.free.fr
Via Gioberti, 67 - 50121 Firenze
Tel : (+39) 055677110
English schools
International School of Florence
www.isfitaly.org
Villa le Tavernule - via del Carota, 23/25
50012 Bagno a Ripoli (FI)
Tel. 055 6461007
Fax: 055 644226
ROMA
Rome International School
Via Panama 25, 00198 Roma
Tel.: 06 8448 2650 Fax: 06 8448 2653
e-mail. [email protected]
www.romeinternationalschool.it
Age: 3 - 18
St. George’s British International School
Rome
www.stgeorge.school.it
Via Cassia Km16
La Storta
00123 – Roma
Tel. 06 3086001
Fax. 06 30892490
Marymount International School of Rome
www.marymountrome.org
Via di Villa Lauchli, 180
00191 Rome
Tel. 06 36 29 101
Fax. 06 36 30 17 38
Core International School of Rome
www.coreinternationalschool.it
Core International School
Via Crati 19 - 00199 Rome
Tel. 068411137
The American Overseas School of Rome
www.aosr.org
Via Cassia 811
00189 Rome
Tel. 06.334381
Fax. 06.3326.2608
German schools
Deutsche Schule Rom
www.deutsche-schule-rom.de
Via Aurelia Antica 397-403
00165 Roma
Tel 06 6638776
Fax. 06 6630632
NAPOLI
French schools
Ecole Alexandre Dumas de Naples
www.ac-grenoble.fr/ecole/efn-dumas.
naples/
Via Francesco Crispi, 86 - 80121 Napoli
Tel : (+39) 081 66 89 36
PESCARA
Iri School College
Polo Scolastico Paritario
66023 Francavilla Al Mare (CH) - 70,
v. Tosti
Tel: 085 4914971, 085 4919324
Fax: 085 4919331
MODENA
International school of Modena
(age range 3-14)
Piazza Montessori, 1/A
41051 Montale Rangone (MO) Italia
Tel. 059.530.649
www.ismmodena.org
BOLOGNA
International school
(age range 2-12)
Via Massimo D’Azeglio, 55
40123 Bologna (BO)
Tel . 051 644 9954
www.isbologna.com
PADOVA
The English International School of
Padua
Via Forcellini Egidio, 168
Tel. 049 8020660
www.eisp01.com
French schools
Lycée Chateaubriand
www.lycee-chateaubriand.eu
dalla scuola materna alla 5ème
Via di Villa Ruffo, 31 - 00196 Roma
Tel : (+39) 06 441604501
dalla 4ème alla Terminale
Via di Villa Patrizi, 9 - 00161 Roma
Tel : (+39)06 441604501
Cervantes Highschool
Via di Porta San Pancrazio, 10, 00153 Roma
Tel: 06 588 2225 Fax: 06 588 2252
E-mail: [email protected]
www.exterior.pntic.mec.es/liceo.cervantes
Age : 4 –17
Institut Saint Dominique
www.institutsaintdominique.it
Via Iofino Lega, 5 - 00189 Roma
Tel : (+39) 06 303 10 817
English schools
St. Stephen’s International School
http://www.ststephens-rome.com
Via Aventina 3 - Rome, Italy
Tel . 065750605
Fax. 065741941
25
Internet Cafes
INTERNET POINTS
Mail Boxes etc.
Piazza O. Ziino 28
Tel. 091 6813526
Fax 091 68232509
Internet Cafè
Via Candelai
Tel. 091 327151
Aboriginal Internet Cafè
Via Spinuzza 51
Tel. 091 6622229
26
Palazzo Ziino
Via Dante 53
Tel. 091 5407621
Villa Trabia
Via Salinas
Call for reservation:
091 7405941
Villa Niscemi
P.zza Niscemi
Museums & Historical sites
Most museums charge an entrance fee of approximately 4 to 7 Euros. Note that reduced entrance fees
may apply to students and senior citizens. Check with the museum for details.
GENERAL OPENING HOURS
Museum opening hours vary throughout the year. Generally museums are open from 09:00 to 18:00 except for Mondays.
As a rule, ticket offices close 30 to 60 minutes before the offical closing times. Before you go, it is recommended that you contact
the museum you want to visit to check any changes in opening hours and ticket prices.
MAIN MUSEUMS IN PALERMO
HISTORICAL SITES
Museo d’Arte e Archeologia
Via Libertà 52
Tel. 091 6085974
Art and Archaeology
Galleria d’Arte Moderna
Via Filippo Turati 10
Tel. 091 7402356
Modern art museum
Museo del Mare
Via Cristoforo Colombo 134
Tel. 091 361309
Marine archeological museum
Gipsoteca Palazzo Ziino
Via Dante 53
Tel. 091 7407631
Modern Art gallery
Palazzo dei Normanni was built as a
fortress by the Arabs in the 9th century,
and then later restored by both the
Normanns and finally the Spaniards in
the 17th century.
Museo del Giocattolo
Via Consolare
Palazzo Cutò Bagheria
Tel. 091 943800
Toy museum
Museo Zoologico
Via Archirafi 18
Tel. 091 6230150
Zoological museum
Cantieria Culturali alla Zisa
Via Paolo Gili 4
Tel. 091 6513431
Islamic art inside the Zisa Castle
Museo Internazionale delle
Marionette
Via Butera 1
Tel. 091 328060
Puppet theatre museum
Casa Museo Tre Secoli di Moda
P.zza Alberigo Gentili 6
Tel. 091 347709
Fashion musem
Civico Museo Renato Guttuso
Via Consolare 9
Bagheria
Tel. 091 943904
Museum of the artist Renato Guttoso
Museo del Risorgimento
P.zza S. Domenico 1
Tel. 091 582774
Relics from the 1820-1848 revolution.
Museo Etnografico
Via Duca degli Abbruzzi 1
Tel. 091 7404894
Sicilian ethnographic museum
Museo Geologico Gemmellaro
Corso Tukory 131
Tel. 091 7041051
Geological museum
Collezione dell’Abbazia dei Padri
Benedettini di San Martino delle Scale
P.zza Platani 3
Monreale
Tel. 091 418104
Religious objects from San Martino delle
Scale Church.
The main attractions are the Palatine
Chapel, located on the first floor of the
Palazzo with beautiful Byzantine art,
and Sala di Ruggiero, which originally
was a bedroom and a belvedere room
looking out over the Gulf of Palermo.
The city Cathedral was built by the
Normans on the same place where in
early Christian times stood a sanctuary.
The cathedral has undergone various
drastic transformations throughout the
history, most noteworthy the addition
of the southern portico (built in the
15th/16th century) and the cupola,
built in the 18th century.
The Martorana is a church completed
in 1143, thanks to a generous donation
from the admiral George of Antiochia.
Despite decades of deprivation, the
church is considered one of the finest
religious building in Palermo and Sicily.
27
Parks
Palermo has several parks, gardens and green areas that are popular recreational areas for
both locals as well as tourists.
Parco della Favorita is the main park in Palermo, located by the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Originally a private hunting ground
for King Ferdinand of Bourbon, the park today is part of the Mount Pellegrino Natural Reserve. With its spacious green areas the
park is a popular place for running and picnics. The entrance to the park is found in Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, Pallavicino.
The exotic Palazzina Cinese is located within Parco della Favorita and has a large garden with beautiful fountains and artificial grottos. A part of the garden has been turned into a small ‘city’ for children (La città dei ragazzi’) where they can play and participate
in creative workshops of various kinds.
The English Garden (Il Giardino Inglese) is located to the north of the city centre. Originally developed towards the end of the
19th century, the garden covers a vast area of 52,000 sqm. The landscape and the vegetation throughout the garden is varied and the
garden is one of the most popular places for people wanting to go running or to simply relax in beautiful surroundings. Facilities for
children to play are also available.
Villa d’Orleans was built in 1797 for Prince Luis Philippe of Orleans and has an interesting garden that was
originally divided into three sections. The section closest to the house was a romantic, Italian-style garden
originally only used by the family. The second section was an English-style garden while the third section was
dedicated to the Prince’s agricultural interests. The best maintained of the three sections is the Italian-style
garden, with hedges, trees and ornamental plants, along with well-designed paths and several banyan trees,
planted by the Prince himself. Today, the garden also contains a small zoo.
The Acqua Park (Parco Giochi Acquatico) is located in Monreale (Via Pezzingoli 172, Fiumelato, Monreale) and is the biggest acqua
park in Sicily, covering an area of 22,000 square metres. The park contains everything one can expect from an acqua park. For more
information, see the website www.acquaparkmonreale.it or call 091 6460246.
The Botanical Garden of Palermo (Orto Botanico) is well known for its richness and variety of plants. Over 10,000 different species
from all over the world can be found stretching over an area approximately ten hectares. The antique green houses are also noteworthy.
The garden is located in Via Abramo Lincoln 2b. An entrance fee is paid.
28
Pharmacies
In Italy, pharmacies can can be easily identified by a red or a green cross. Opening hours are usually
Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 13-13:30 and from 16:00 to 19:30. Some pharmacies also open on Saturdays
and Sundays on a shift system.
MAIN PHARMACIES
Antica Farmacia Montepellegrino
Via Montepellegrino 127a
and Via Ruggero Loria 2b
Tel. 091546531/ 091 6375342
Farmacia Ausonia
Via Ausonia 97/101
Tel. 091 527858
Pharmacies with night service:
Antica Farmacia Giusti
Via Giusti 8
Tel. 091 309076
Farmacia Bonsignore
Viale Regione Siciliana 2322
Tel. 091 400219
Farmacia Lo Casto
Via Marchese Ugo 82/84
Tel. 091 6251725
Farmacia La Rizza
Viale Piazza Armerina 23
Tel. 091 311568
www.farmacialarizza.it
Farmacia Dr. Ditta
Via A. Diaz 86/88/90
Tel. 091 476824
Farmacia Dr. Di Figlia
Tel. 091 6140132
29
Police Stations
The ‘Questura Centrale’ is the main headquarters of the police in Palermo. Then there
are the ‘Commissariati’ - local police stations - which are branch offices of the Questura.
Apart from handling normal security and administrative functions, police stations also issue passports (for Italian citizens), gun
licences, and Permits of Stay for foreigners.
QUESTURA PALERMO
Piazza della Vittoria 8
Tel. 091 210111
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Carabinieri
112
MAIN POLICE STATIONS ACCOR- Police
DING TO CITY AREAS
113
Libertà
Via Generale Arimondi 2q
Fire
Tel. 091 7213111
115
Duomo - Palazzo Reale
Via Guido delle Colonne 3
Tel. 091 7213200
First Aid
118
Politiama
Via Dante 57
Tel. 091 7213191
San Lorenzo
Via San Lorenzo Colli 271a
Tel. 091 6725111
Molo
Via Aloisio Juvara 10
Tel. 091 6725501
Mondello
Viale Regina Margherita 43
Tel. 091 6725200
Zisa
Via Noce 91/93
Tel. 091 6862111
Porta Nuova
Tel. 091 6862222
Brancaccio
Via Filippo Pecoraino 64
Tel. 091 7438200
30
Postal Services
Apart from regular mailing services, post offices in Italy are where bills are paid and pensions are distributed
to senior citizens – it’s just a question of standing in the right line.
Main Postal Offices
post offices with extended opening hours
(Mon-Fri 08:00-18:30,
Sat. 08:00-12:30)
Beware: if you join the wrong line, you will be forced to line up all over again to complete
your transaction. It is not always clear which line is the correct one, and they are very long
and slow moving. So ask before you join a line. For instance, when you pay your bills, be
sure to ask for the “pagamenti” line. Complete banking services are also offered at post
offices.
Every neighbourhood has its local post office branch. Hours vary but in general they are
open from Monday to Friday 8:30 – 14:00 and Saturday between 8:30 and 13:00.
Via Carà
90011 Bagheria
SENDING MAIL
Stamps are sold at the tobacconist’s ‘tabacchi’ or at the post office. Regular mail costs from
Euro 0.60 cents for “posta prioritaria”.
Via Vazzana 2
90015 Cefalu’
The mail has to be posted in the red post boxes outside the post offices or the tobacconist’s.
The post box has two boxes: one for the inner city mail ‘la città’, one for all destinations out
of the city ‘altre destinazioni’.
Via San Martino 10
90034 Corleone
Via Lungo 36
90036 Misilmeri
Via F. Ferrari Orsi 57
90123 Palermo
Via di Maio Maria Dolores 17/35
90145 Palermo
Piazza Unità d’Italia
90144 Palermo
Corso Pisani 246
90129 Palermo
Piazza Parlamento 1
90129 Palermo
Closed on Saturdays
Via Roma 320
90133 Palermo
Open until 18:30 also on Saturdays
Express Delivery
With this service you are able to send letters and parcels all over the world quickly with a
return receipt. This receipt provides delivery information, if you request it. Note: It is not
permitted to send any money of any currency, values of gold, silver or platinum, precious
stones, antique objects, alcohol, or goods prohibited for export by Italian law.
Priority Post
The mail through priority post ‘posta prioritaria’ should arrive within 24 hours in Italy and
within 3 days in Europe and Mediterranean countries. It takes from 4 to 8 days for deliveries
in other countries. There are specific stamps available at the tobacconist’s or at the post office
and blue autoadhesive labels indicating ‘posta prioritaria’. The cost is Euro 0,62 for Italy and
Europe (standard size envelope only, for other sizes and destinations the fee varies).
Postal Order
The postal order is a fast service that enables you to transfer money in Italy. You are also
able to pay or receive the cost of any parcel or mailing. There are additionally many other
agencies that transfer money in the same fashion such as Western Union.
Money Exchange
In some post offices of Rome you can change money paying a commission.
SENDING TELEGRAMS IN ITALY AND ABROAD
The service is available 24 hours a day. The telephone number is 186. The service is world
wide and messages can be transmitted in any language. The cost of this service will be added
directly to the phone bill.
Corso dei Mille 104
90047 Partinico
31
Public Transportation
Public transport in and around Palermo is considered well organised, with buses passing every 1520 minutes.
Public transport in Palermo is run by AMAT (main office: Via Rocazzo 77, tel. 091 6902690 / 091 350111, website: www.
amat.pa.it). Tickets can not be purchased on the bus, but from most tobacconists, news-stands, and some snack bars around
the city. Information boxes are located across the city with brochures providing time tables of all the buses crossing the city.
AMAT ticket fares
Single
1 Euro
valid 120 minutes
32
Daily
3,35 Euros
Monthly
26,50 Euros
Pubs & Clubs
Club entrance prices range from 10 Euros to 20 Euros. Clubs start filling up after midnight
and usually stay open until 04:00 - 06:00 in the morning. Pubs are normally open from
20.00 until 02:00 or even later.
MAIN PUBS
Berlin Cafè
Via Isidoro La Lumia 21
Tel. 091 584897
Carlotta
Via Niscemi 4
Tel. 091 6888244
Kovacs
Via libertà 6
Tel. 091 6115151
Di Martino
Via Dell’artigliere 28a/b
Tel. 091 1517126
Santa Monica
Via Ernesto Parisi 7
Tel. 091 324735
Birimbao
Via Dei Leoni 85
Tel. 091 6700550
Bocachica
Via Dei Nebrodi 95
Tel. 091 7542649
Carpe Diem
Via Volturno 24
Tel. 091 6124721
West Los Angels
Via Galileo Galilei 49
Tel. 091 6819812
I Candelai
Via Dei Candelai 65
Tel. 091 327151
Agricantus
Via XX Settembre 82
Tel. 091 309636
Camelot
Via Padre Massimiliano Koble 21
Tel. 091 6222036
MAIN CLUBS
Dancing Club
Viale Piemonte, 16
Tel. 091 398917
Skylab
Piazza Baida
Tel. 091 6737830
Kandisky
Discesa Tonnara 4
Tel. 091 6375611
Julep’s
Viale Lazio 51
Tel. 091 513621
Pay One
Viadei Nebrodi 55
Tel. 091 527265
Bloom
Viale Regione Siciliana 6469
Tel. 091 6889727
33
Religious Associations
Some of main religious associations in Rome:
Basilica S. Francesco D’Assisi
Piazza San Francesco - 90133 Palermo
Tel: 091 6162819
Palermo Cathedral
9, Via Dell’Incoronazione - 90134
Palermo (PA)
Tel: 091 334373
Adventist church
25/D, Via Di Marzo Gioacchino 90144 Palermo (PA)
Tel: 091 305283
Evangelical church
1/5, Via Peralta - 90142 Palermo (PA)
Tel: 091 362157, 091 5608715,
091 6314354
Ortodox church
ENGLISH-SPEAKING
RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS
Anglican Church
Via M. Stabile 118b
Tel. 091 585220
Kingdom Hall of
Jehova’s Witness
Via Volontari italiani del Sangue 41
Tel. 091 6405823
Evangelic Church
Via Bara all’Olivella 11
Tel. 091 324354
Jesus Christ of the Saints
of the Last Day
Via Catania 132
Tel. 349 1966009
Sant’Atanasio e Sant’Agata
Via Sampolo 444
90143 Palermo
Italy
Tel 39-091 631 4362
Fax 39-091 631 1980
[email protected]
Gesuite Community
21, Piazza Casaprofessa - 90134
Palermo (PA)
Tel: 091 331589
34
Restaurants
Wherever you are in Italy, there is no lack of restaurants with menus exciting enough to please all
preferences. Palermo is no exception.
EATING ITALIAN
Italian restaurants can roughly be divided into two main categories, trattoria and ristorante, depending on the type and the size of
the meal you want.
Both types can be found in all parts of Italy, whether you stay in Palermo or in a much smaller city. Note that most trattorie and
ristorante have a giorno di riposo, a rest day, once a week (usually Sunday or Monday).
Trattorie
A trattoria is a small restaurant and is usually less expensive and pretentious. The menu usually consists of a primo e secondo piatto
(first and second course) of pizza or pasta followed by a salad and dessert and coffee.
Ristorante
If you are looking for something slightly more exclusive, there are almost just as many ristoranti (restaurants) as there are trattorie.
The menu usually consists of a la carte with portions slightly smaller but nevertheless delicately prepared.
Meal prices are also higher. Opening hours may be different from what you are used to in other places: the restaurants usually open
for lunch between noon and three o’clock, reopening for the evening between seven and midnight.
LOCAL SPECIALITIES
For those wanting to try out some of Palermo’s many local specialities, these is much to choose from. For starters (antipasto), one
can choose for instance Sarde a Beccaficu (stuffed fried Sardines with breadcrumbs, pine nuts and raisins), or Caponata, consisting
of eggplants, olives, capers and celery but made in almost 40 variations. The Frittedda is a delicate preparation of green fava beans
together with onions, artichokes and peas.
As for pasta, try Pasta con Sarde or Pasta con le Acciughe, which is a mix of Anchovies and grated bread. One of the most characteristic
pasta dishes of Sicily is Anelletti pasta al forno, oven-baked pasta with tomato sauce, meat, eggs and eggplants.
Other than the many local specialities one finds in the restaurants, there are various small apetizers that can be bought in small pizzerias
and bars. Try Cazzilli which are potato croquettes or Sfinciuni, which is a soft pizza topped with tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, anchovies
and onions. One must also not forget the Arancine, the famous soft fried balls of rice filled with cheese, meat or ham (prosciutto)
and pane con la miza which is a spleen sandwhich accompanied by sliced ricotta and grated cheese.
35
EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANTS
La Panoramica
Via Ruffo di Calabria 37 (Baida)
Tel. 091 223706
Al Cadida
American Bar-Ristorante-Pub
Via Del Bastione 22
Tel. 347 8644086
Local/regional
restaurants
Bellotero Sapori & Piaceri
di Sicilia
Via Castriota 3
Tel. 091 582158
Ai Vecchietti di Minchiapititto
Via Paternostro 28
Tel. 091 585606
Grafiti all’Addaura
Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4452 Cucina Papoff
Tel. 091 6842222
Via Isidoro La Lumia 32
www.addaura.it
Tel. 091 586460
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Sariddu & Figli
P.zza Mondello 48
Tel. 091 451922
Sympathy Trattoria
Via Piano Gallo 18
Tel. 091 454470
Mare Azzurro
Tel. 091 393378/091 6217520
Il Cambusone
P.zza G. Verdi 25/27
Tel. 091 335597
Al Santa Caterina
Cortile Santa Caterina 1
Tel. 091 6622094
Casa del Brodo
Corso Vittorio Emanuele 175
Tel. 091 321655
American Bar al Viale
Via Archimede 189
Tel. 091 6090261
Stancampiano
P.zza Rivoluzione 26
Tel. 091 6101154
Mare in Città
Via E. Restivo 106a
Tel. 091 511073
Al Gabbiano
Via Piano Gallo 1 (Mondello)
Tel. 091 450313
VARIOUS
Kursaal Kalhesa
Via Foro Umberto I 21
Tel. 091 6162282
www.kursaalkalhesa.it
La Barca
Via Barcarello 71 (Sferracavallo)
Tel. 091 6911609 www.
ristorantelabarca.it;
Ambasciatori
Via Del Bersagliere 21
Tel. 091 540049
www.torreata.it
Charleston
V.le Regina Elena (Mondello)
Tel. 091 450171
Bye Bye Blues
Via Del Garofalo 23
Tel. 091 6841415
Flory
Via E. Albanese 104c
Tel. 091 6622344
Orleans
Via L. Giannettino 4
Tel. 091 425251
Sesto Canto
Via S. Oliva 26
Tel. 091 336836
popular restaurants
Capricci di Sicilia
P.zza L. Sturzo
Tel. 091 327777
Antica Focacceria San Francesco
Via Paternostro 58 (P.zza San
Francesco)
Al Cancelletto
Via Ottavio d’Aragona 34
Tel. 091 583069
La Cambusa
Piazza Marina 16
Tel. 091 584574
www.lacambusa.it
Il Delfino
Via Torretta 80 (Sferracavallo)
Tel. 091 530282
L’Ancora
Tel. 091 532934
Il Delfino
Tel. 091 530282
La Vecchia Locanda
P.zza della Messinese 8/9
Tel. 091 6171108
Le Tre Lampare
Via Barcarello 33
Tel. 091 532748
Temptation
Tel. 091 6911104
Temptation
Tel. 091 6911104
Il Golosone
Piazza Castelnuovo 22
Tel. 091 329220
Confectionary/Tea room
36
Shopping
Shops are usually open Monday through Saturday between 09.00 to 13.00 & 16.00 to 19.30.
Many stores (except food shops and bakeries) are closed on Monday morning. Practically all
shops are closed on Sundays.
MAIN SHOPPING STREETS
There are several big shopping streets in Palermo, where everything from shoes to books can be bought. The two main
shopping streets in Palermo are Via Roma and Via Maqueda. Others worth mentioning are Corso Calatafimi and Via
Finocchiaro Aprile. For slightly more exclusive shops go to Via Libertà, Via Notarbatolo, Via Leonardo Da Vinci,
Via Scuti and Viale Strasburgo.
SOME HELPFUL ADVICE WHEN SHOPPING IN ITALY
Greet the shop owner or assistant when entering and leaving a shop. The standard greeting is ‘Buongiorno’ or ‘Buonasera’ according
to time of day.
Barganing is sometimes acceptable at markets. Always check your change, ‘mistakes’ are often made, especially with
foreign customers.
Don’t expect to be able to use your credit card everywhere. Many shops, even large chain stores or supermarkets, accept debit
cards (called ‘Bancomat’), but not credit cards. Many smaller shops do not accept them either, and often refuse to even to accept a
cheque...cash only!
Be aware of pick-pockets in all crowded areas.
OPEN MARKETS
The three main open-air markets in Palermo are Ballaro’, Vucciria and Capo. Ballaro’ and Vucciria are mainly markets
where fresh food is sold, while Capo is divided into a fresh food section and a clothing section.
37
Sport & Leisure
Many of the various sporting clubs/sports centres in and outside the city offer a wide variety of
activities such as aerobics, tennis, and swimming. You can therefore find many of the activities
you are looking for in one centre.
To cover all the facilities in Palermo would be difficult. Listed below is therefore only a
sample of the facilities available. Emc Network can assist in a more extensive local search
if required.
SPORTING CLUB CENTERS
SWIMING POOLS
Polisportiva Palermo
Via Belgio 2a
Tel. 091 6703078
www.polisportivapalermo.it
Polisportiva Palermo
Via Belgio 2a
Tel. 091 6703078
www.polisportivapalermo.it
Centro Sportivo Sprint
Tel. 091 422179
Centro Sportivo Sprint
Tel. 091 422179
Palestre Freelife
Via S. Lorenzo 87a
Tel. 091 6881622
Garden Center Centro Sportivo
Via B. Angelico 100
Tel. 091 6851853
and Via M. Dominaci 27b
Tel. 091 6883115
DANCING CLASSES
Dancer Broadway - Fitness Club
Via Lanza di Scalea 386
Tel. 091 6713216
and Via dell’Olimpo 3
Tel. 0916842998
Garden Center Centro Sportivo
Via B. Angelico 100
Tel. 091 6851853
Dancing School
Via Galletti 281
Tel. 091 6142980
No Limits Health Club
Viale Resurrezione 17
Tel. 091 6710666
HORSERIDING
Caro Cavallo
Via Manin 15
Tel. 091 6113820 / 091 6091527
Polisportiva Albatros
Via G. Bonanno 56
Tel. 091 300103
Circolo Ippico Taitu’
Via P. V. 46 2291
Tel. 091 6791173
Polisportiva Europa
P.zza Unità d’Italia 11
Tel. 091 3819223 / 091 3819224
SAILOR CLUBS
Circolo Velico Sirenetta Sailor’s
Club
Via Dei Saraceni 2
Tel. 091 8671538
Polisportiva Gonzaga
Via Marchese Ugo 6
Tel. 091 6252036
Polisportiva Roosevelt Sports
Via Barbarico 2
Tel. 091450351
38
GOLF CLUBS
Circolo Golf di Roma
Via Appia Nova 716 a
Tel. 06 78 61 29
Olgiata Golf Club
Largo Olgiata 51
Tel. 06 30 88 91 41
Sheraton Golf Parco dei Medici
Viale Parco dei Medici 156/167
Tel. 06 65 53 477
TENNIS CLUBS
Fly Tennis Club AS
Via Autonomia Siciliana 125
Tel. 091 546955
Circolo del Tennis
Viale Del Fante 3
Tel. 091 362552 / 091 540535
Parco Tennis Pallavicino
Via Trapani Pescia 61a
Tel. 091 6712601
Tennis Club Palermo 2
Via S. Lorenzo Colli 1
Tel. 091 6885360
Club Nautico il Moro
Via Monsignore Filippo Pottino 3
Tel. 091 547350
Useful numbers
Note that telephone numbers in Italy do not have a standard number of digits like many other countries.
You must dial 06 before all numbers in Rome except emergency numbers beginning with 1 and 800 toll
free numbers ‘numero verde’.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
PALERMO TOURIST
INFORMATION
Tel. 091 6058111
www.palermotourism.com
COMUNE DI PALERMO
Tel. 091 7404532/091 740
4533
UTILITIES
ENEL
800 900 800
800 900 102
www.enel.it
GAS
AMG GAS
Tel. 091 7435111
[email protected]
www.amg.pa.it
TELECOM
187
www.telecomitalia.it
QUESTURA PALERMO
Piazza della Vittoria 8
Tel. 091 210111
MAIN POLICE STATIONS
ACCORDING TO CITY AREAS
Libertà
Via Generale Arimondi 2q
Tel. 091 7213111
Politiama
Via Dante 57
Tel. 091 7213191
San Lorenzo
Via San Lorenzo Colli 271a
Tel. 091 6725111
Molo
Via Aloisio Juvara 10
Tel. 091 6725501
Mondello
Viale Regina Margherita 43
Tel. 091 6725200
Zisa
Via Noce 91/93
Tel. 091 6862111
Porta Nuova
Tel. 091 6862222
Oreto
Via Roma 194
Tel. 091 7438111
Brancaccio
Via Filippo Pecoraino 64
Tel. 091 7438200
Duomo - Palazzo Reale
Via Guido delle Colonne 3
Tel. 091 7213200
39
Utilities numbers
Installing or fixing utilities can sometimes be a somewhat tricky and bureaucratic experience when moving
to Italy. Having your utility bills paid directly by your bank through home banking is recommended in
order to avoid possible complications.
ELECTRICITY
Enel is the main electricity provider in Italy. When moving out of a property, you must contact
each utility company to get a real time reading of your meters, otherwise, the bills could arrive
to your landlord months after you’ve left. Having your utility bills paid directly through your
bank is also adviseable, as it rules out having to go to the Post Office to pay your utility bills.
The cost of electricity depends on the “total power” used by the household. The most common
power for apartments is 3-4 kW. However, if one plans to have numerous appliances and/or
it is a large house, the recommended power is 10 kW. The maximum kW currently offered
for domestic use is 30 kw. A first connection might take 15 to 20 days to activate.
TOLL - FREE NUMBERS
ELECTRICITY
ENEL
Via Marchese
di Villabianca 121
Tel. 091 6757111
GAS
In Palermo, AMG provides the gas. To have a new contract usually takes around 5 working days.
Customer service:
800 900 800
800 900 102
www.enel.it
TELEPHONE
In Italy, a phone line is not connected to the property, but to a person. Thus, before switching a phone line to your name, a declaration by the former subscriber confirming that the
number is no longer to be in his or her name is necessary. Similarly, you, as the new subscriber
of the line, need to write a declaration saying you accept taking over the number. These two
declarations need to be sent to Telecom, who will then switch the phone line.
GAS
AMG GAS
Via Ammiraglio Gravina 2e
Tel. 091 7435111
[email protected]
www.amg.pa.it
To have a completely new line installed usually takes 10 to 15 days and sometimes even longer.
To have an ADSL line installed might take 20 to 30 days (not all areas are covered with this
service). ISDN lines are also available. There is an activation fee when installing a phone line.
For an analogue phone line it costs around 100,00 Euros for an ISDN line 130,00 Euros,
and for an ADSL around 150 Euros. There are many other phone companies that offer serivces and their monthly fees vary. Line rental for the time being is only offered by Telecom.
TELECOM
187
www.telecomitalia.it
Telecom Italia offers a free of charge online possibility for paying their bills (bollette). Since
this website is only available in Italian, Enterprises Group can provide you with an English
instruction on how to use this service.
INTERNET
The main internet providers in Italy are Telecom, Virgilio, Tele2, Wind and Fastweb.
SATELLITE TV/CABLE TV
Satellite dishes may be installed with the permission of the landlord or can at times be negotiated at time of contract preparation. Some buildings have restrictions that prohibit the
installation of any dish.
In Italy, digital terrestrial cable TV is about to be introduced. In order to speed up the process,
a discount on the decoder is given when paying the public TV licence. To buy the decoder
(and to have the discount, you are require to bring a valid ID, Residence Permit and a receipt
proving you have paid the TV licence.
40
Note that patience is required
when calling these numbers.
Customers may expect to be put
on hold for a very long time.
SATELLITE TV PROVIDERS
Rikosat s.r.l. (SKY centre)
Via R. Zandonai 38
Tel. 091 6834364
Mediacom
Viale Strasburgo 237/239
Tel. 091 6882240
Fax 091 6885194
[email protected]
www.mediacomsat.it
SKY
Via G. Cusmano 15/17
Tel. 091 6832153
41
Frequently Asked Questions
HOUSING
1. What can I expect to find in an unfurnished, a semi-furnished or a furnished
property? ........................................................................................................44
2. What sort of flexibility will I have to negotiate rent or furnishings? ........44
3. How many properties will I be shown? ....................................................44
4. How can I secure a property that I choose? .....................................................44
5. What costs are involved to rent a property? .....................................................45
6. What other expenses should I expect to pay? ...................................................45
7. What is the process flow to rent a property? ....................................................45
8. What chance do i have of receiving my full deposit back when
i have the property?.........................................................................................45
9. What responsability do u have as a tenant towards maintenance
of the property ................................................................................................46
10. Can i make any changes to the property?.........................................................46
11. What if i need to break the lease early? ............................................................46
12. What expenses are involved in a purchase of property? ...................................46
UTILITIES & TELEPHONE
13. What utility expenses will i have to pay............................................................47
14. How are these accounts charged?.....................................................................47
15. Will i be able to get Satellite Tv?.......................................................................47
16. What documents do i need to install a Telephone Line?...................................47
17. How long do i have to wait for my telephone? ...............................................47
18. How will i be billed? .......................................................................................48
19. What about mobile lines? ...............................................................................48
42
Frequently Asked Questions
DRIVING
20. What is like driving to Italy?............................................................................48
21. For how long can i drive my own car in Italy?.................................................48
22. Is my driving licence valid for Italy?.................................................................48
WORK PERMIT
23. What documentation is required for workers coming to Italy?.........................49
24. Is it necessary for me to be present to apply for documents? ............................49
25. Will i have to be present when my permit is released?.....................................49
ABOUT EMC
26. Why should i choose EMC Network?..............................................................49
FOR CORPORATE
27. How we determinate a realistic Housing Budget for the Transferees?................50
28. How we can guarantee that all Transferees will receive the same standard of
service? ...........................................................................................................50
29. How does EMC Network handle Group Moves..............................................50
30. What ongoing support is provided for Transferees and their families? .............50
43
Housing FAQ
1. What can I expect to find in an unfurnished, a semi-furnished or a furnished property?
An unfurnished property will be totally empty; this means no kitchen, no light fittings and at times no bathroom fixtures.
A semi-furnished property will include a basic kitchen, usually light fittings and at times also bathroom furniture.
A furnished property can include anything from the basics such as kitchen, table, chairs, beds, bathroom furniture to everything you could
possibly require in a property. Soft furnishings are hardly ever included. A furnished property may occasionally also come with a washing
machine (located in the bathroom rather than the kitchen). Your Relocation Coordinator will confirm whether or not the property has these
facilities.
Tumble dryers are not part of the standard Italian furnishings but at times it is possible to negotiate to have one installed. Air conditioning
is not a standard feature in most Italian properties. Many older buildings are not predisposed to have it installed.
Please note that many technicians do not speak English.
2. What sort of flexibility will I have to negotiate rent or furnishings?
The housing market in Italy is a ‘landlord’s market’. Properties in large cities are in high demand and landlords are generally able to obtain
the prices they ask. It is always worth trying to offer a slightly lower figure than the asking price or request to have other furniture installed
or work done on the property.
Generally, if the requests of a prospective tenant are high and costly, the landlord will agree to do the works requested with an increase in
the rent. It is not likely a landlord will agree to undertake work on the property, install extra furniture and lower the price.
Verbal obligations or promises such as modifications or furnishings of the property are not reliable, thus it is important to have everything
in written. Please advise your Relocation Coordinator about your comments/request, and he/she will prepare a written request to the
landlord.
EMC Network will negotiate on your behalf until an arrangement agreeable to both parties is reached. You will be advised if the landlord’s
request is too high for the type of property or area.
3. How many properties will I be shown?
This depends on the Relocation Package you have; EMC Network Basic Package includes 8 properties and the Standard Package includes
15 properties. You will be told at the outset how many properties you will be shown or how much time you have available to do the house
hunting. The properties provided will be as close to your ‘Needs Analysis’ description as possible according to what is available on the market
at the time.
Please note that the real estate market in Italy moves extremely rapidly, thus we advise you to decide immediately if you have found a property
you like even if you have not seen all properties assigned.
4. How can I secure a property that I choose?
The only way to ensure a property you choose is not rented to someone else is to make a written proposal (Proposta). This is required if the
property is in high demand or if there will be a period of time before the lease can commence.
A Proposta is a proposal to rent, either a draft contract or a few clauses putting forth your offer and conditions on the property. If a Proposta
is required, EMC Network will prepare this for you. The Proposta is to be signed by the one intending to rent and a holding deposit, equalling
one month’s rent paid to the landlord (usually in the form of a cheque, if possible).
The landlord has several days (generally a minimum of 7, the number will be specified in the Proposta) in which he can accept or reject the
Proposta. During this time he may not show the property to anyone else. If he accepts the Proposta he is bound to rent the property to
whomever made the Proposta; if the party who made the Proposta pull out of the deal, the deposit is lost. When the deal goes ahead, the
holding deposit is deducted from the sum owed to the landlord.
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5. What costs are involved in renting a property?
All payments must be done prior or together with the signing of the property contract:
A security deposit will have to be paid to the landlord. This is usually 3 month’s rent (refundable upon exit, note below). At times, landlords
require a ‘Fidejussione’ or ‘Fido’ instead of a security deposit. This entails a specified sum being ‘frozen’ in a bank account as a guarantee
on the property.
The first rental payment will also have to be paid to the landlord. Rent is usually due monthly but landlords can dictate how they wish to be
paid. If a holding deposit has been made along with a Proposta, the sum is deducted from the above payments to the landlord.
Real estate agents commission: throughout most of Italy, it is equal to one month’s rent or 10 % of the annual rent. In Milan it is 10-18%
of the annual rent while in Turin it is two month’s rent. All commissions do not include IVA (country tax).
The landlord is required by law to register the contract in three copies – one for himself, one for the Public Registration Office and one for
the tenant. There is a fee for this registration which is to be split between landlord and tenant. The share of the tenant is 1% annual rent.
Government stamps (‘Bolli’) have to be added to a specific number of pages in each of the contracts (usually every third page). These are
to be paid for by the tenant.
The registration fee and government stamps are either paid at the time of contract signing or are usually added into the second monthly
payment.
6. What other expenses should I expect to pay?
Apartments usually have a monthly Condominium fee, payable together with the rent or payable directly to the building administrator. This
fee is to cover the cost of the upkeep of the common area of the apartment building; lighting, cleaning and general maintenance. It may
include doorman expenses or gardening expenses if there is a common outside area.
If a villa is located in a private compound, a monthly Consorzio or compound fee is usually charged. This fee is for the upkeep of the
private roads, lighting, gardening of any common garden areas, any guards or gatekeepers. All utility expenses are the responsibility of the
tenant, according to consumption. Please also see utility expenses.
Please note:
It is advisable to sign tenancy risk insurance in order to be covered in the event of property damages. Your Relocation Coordinator will
assist you with this.
7. What is the process flow to rent a property?
In order to rent property, a written proposal (Proposta) must be made. This must be presented, signed by the tenant along with the holding
deposit to the real estate agent for the signature of the landlord. Once signed by both parties, the landlord is bound and the holding
deposit is non refundable. A landlord may also require a letter of guarantee from the employer of the tenant or a letter from the company
demonstrating income that can support rental payments.
A legally valid contract is negotiated and prepared by EMC Network. Both parties will agree upon the content. Payments must have been
made. At times the landlord can require that the payment reach his bank account before key delivery. Other times, a bank receipt or proof
that payment has been made will be sufficient.
An appointment is arranged, usually at the real estate agency, for the tenant and landlord to sign the contract. The contract is read through
and EMC Network’ Local Counsellor will translate as necessary. Every copy of the contract is then to be initialled on every page and signed
in full twice on the last page by both parties. It is the landlord’s responsibility to register the contract.
If a contract is to be signed by a company, EMC Network will prepare a final version of the contract and send it to the company for signing.
Once a legal representative of the company has signed the copies of the contract, it will be collected by a Local Counsellor to be taken to
the agency for the landlord’s signature. A copy of the ‘Camera di Commercio’ will be required as well as a photocopy of ID document of
the legal representative who is to sign the contract.
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8. What chance do I have of receiving my full deposit back when I leave the property?
Provided the property and any furnishings are returned in the state in which they were consigned, EMC Network will be able to negotiate a full
deposit return for you. To this end we insist on taking a thorough Property Inspection and Inventory when the tenant enters the property. This
inventory is taken in the presence of the landlord and the tenant and two copies are to be signed by both parties.
9. What responsibility do I have as a tenant towards maintenance of the property ?
Unlike in GB or USA, where the landlord is responsible for the upkeep of the property, Italian law states that the tenant is responsible for general
maintenance whereas the landlord is responsible for major maintenance.
Basically this means that all plumbing and electrical fixtures that are outside of the walls or visible are the responsibility of the tenant (leaking
taps, door bell that does not work etc.). The landlord is responsible for the plumbing and electrical system within the walls of the property; e.g.
heating pipes.
You will receive by the Relocation Coordinator a list of the items you are responsible for.
10. Can i make any changes to the property?
Only with the permission of the landlord.
Small changes (e.g. hanging of towel rails in the bathroom) may be made but the property is to be handed back in exactly the same state it was
consigned. Therefore, any holes made in the walls must be filled and painted over before leaving the property, unless a different agreement is made
with the landlord.
In case alternations have been made to improve the property without the permission of the landlord, the landlord has the right to not reimburse
any expenses the tenant has had in relation to the work. In cases where the landlord does not approve with the changes made, he/she has the right
to require the tenant to put the property back into its original structure.
11. What if I need to break the lease early?
Standard Italian contracts are for 4+4 years. EMC Network will ensure a diplomatic break clause is inserted into the contract for the protection
of the tenant.
It is usually possible to negotiate a break clause after the first year with three or six months notice. In this instance, the landlord will have the final
say as to what is acceptable.
If a one year contract is put in place, it is also sometimes possible to add a break clause after a certain period of months; this depends upon the
landlords being agreeable.
12. What expenses are involved in the purchase of a property?
- Government fees: 3 % (11 % for a second purchase of property).
- Real estate agency fees (approx. 3% of property price)
- Other costs: survey costs, bank loan set-up costs as well as notary fees.
Usually the final figure will be about 10-15% of the property price.
46
Utilities & Telephone FAQ
13. What utility expenses will I have to pay?
Utility payments are never included in the rent. Tenants are responsible to pay for gas, electricity and water according to consumption. A garbage tax
is levied on each property annually; this is also the responsibility of the tenant. When renting a property, the utility bills are generally transferred into
the name of the tenant. The cost for the transfer of name of the contract is charged with the first bill. EMC Network will arrange this for you.
If the previous tenant closed the utility accounts before leaving the property, or if the account had unpaid bills outstanding, a new contract must
be set up in the name of the new tenant. The cost of this is higher than the cost of a contract name transfer and is added to the first bill. This
process may take up to seven days from the initial request to the effective transfer. It is not advisable to prepare a new utility contract before the
actual property contract has been signed.
14. How are these accounts charged?
Utility bills arrive to the property address every two months. EMC Network will ensure meter readings are noted when the property inspection and
inventory are taken, to ensure only the tenant’s own consumption is paid for.
The utility companies will send an employee to take the first meter reading after the signing of a new contract. Successive bills are estimates based on
this first reading. Every few months the reading is taken again and the following bill will then be balanced according to the reading. Due payments
will be charged and over payments will be credited.
The first bill is to be paid at the Post Office, thereafter a Bank transfer can be arranged.
15. Will I be able to get Satellite TV?
Satellite dishes may be installed with the permission of the landlord or can at times be negotiated at time of contract preparation. Some buildings
have restrictions that prohibit the installation of any dish.
Decoders can be bought or hired. Subscriptions to channels in the language of your choice can organised by your Local Counsellor as part of
your Settling-in Assistance.
Please note that satellite TV is considered a personal utility, thus an individual request to the satellite TV provider must therefore be submitted.
Your Relocation Coordinator will assist you with this request.
16.What documents do I need to install a Telephone Line?
For a foreigner to request a telephone line from Telecom Italia, a Tax Code (Codice Fiscale) and a Permit of Stay is required. When a new tenant
enters a property a telephone line has to be connected in his name unless the landlord is prepared to keep it in his/her own name.
The choice is of Analogue or ISDN line. A faster Internet access through ADSL broadband is not available in all parts of the country. When it is
requested, EMC Network will have to conduct a research to see if it is available. An exact property address is required. ADSL in Italy is not as fast
as publicised and the service tends to be erratic. EMC Network will arrange the connection of the telephone on your behalf.
17. How long will I have to wait for my telephone?
Telecom will inform of the date and time they will send an engineer to the property to connect the line; this is a minimum of 2 weeks after the
initial application is made.
A telephone apparatus is not included in the request for a telephone line. Consequently, an apparatus must be available when the engineer comes
to connect the line. If you wish to rent the apparatus from Telecom, this can be arranged, however delivery is done separately from the request
for a telephone line.
Although a time of appointment is given, it is not unusual for the engineer to arrive to the appointment up to two hours later than the stated
time.
Please note that as with all bureaucratic procedures in Italy, things can go wrong and end up taking far longer than the average time indicated. An
application for a line may at times be ‘’lost’’ and Telecom does not offer explanations; when this occurs there is nothing that can be done but to
reapply and wait the time it takes.
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18. How will I be billed?
Telephone bills will be sent to the property every two months. The first bill has to be paid in the Post Office, thereafter, a bank transfer can be
arranged.
19. What about Mobile Lines?
Please note that at peak times, such as Friday afternoons, the lines may fail because of over demand, but the situation is improving. WAP/LAN
enabled mobile phones have internet connectivity.
Driving FAQ
20. What is it like driving in Italy?
In order to drive legally in Italy, you must obtain an international Driving Licence (unless you are from an EU country, in which case your licence
is valid also in Italy).
After 12 months of residence in Italy, all non-EU licences must be converted. If no bi-lateral agreement exists with your country, you must take a
driving test to obtain an Italian driving license.
Please note:
When driving in Italy you must have your driving licence with you at all times. Driving without a valid licence is a felony; should anyone be involved
in a serious accident and does not possess a valid licence, he or she risks imprisonment.
Your driving licence is not considered a valid ID in public offices.
21. For how long can I drive my own car in Italy?
You can drive your own car in Italy for six months after which you are required to apply for Permanent Residency. Once the residency has been
given, you have one year to register your car with Italian number plates.
22. Can I buy a car?
In order for a foreigner to buy a car the following documents are required:
- Tax code (Codice Fiscale)
- Permit of stay (Permesso di Soggiorno)
- Permanent residency (Residenza)
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WORK PERMIT
23. What documentation is required for workers coming to Italy?
EU citizens:
- Permit of Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) - required before telephone can be connected
- Tax or Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale) - required in order to sign a property contract, connect utilities and activate a mobile phone
Optional:
- Residency (Residenza) - required in order to buy a car
- National Health Registration (ASL)
Non EU citizens:
- Work Permit
- Permit of Stay
- Tax or Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale)
Optional:
- Residency (Residenza) and or National Health Registration (ASL)
24. Is it necessary for me to be present to apply for documents?
For the presentation of document application, it varies from city to city. Wherever possible, EMC Network will prepare Power of Attorney
(Delega) in order for a Local Counsellor to act on behalf of the Transferee and family.
To release the obtained documents, the Transferee and other members of the family must be present as an original signature is required.
25. Will I have to pay the police when I collect my Permit of Stay?
No, there is no charge for the release of a Permit of Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) or Tax Code (Codice Fiscale).
ABOUT EMC
26. Why should I choose EMC Network?
- ISO certified company (ISO 9001:2000).
- Extensive rapidly growing client list.
- Exclusive partner/representative of many Global Relocation Service Providers.
- Exclusive representative of many International Law and Immigration Firms.
- Founded and managed by expatriates with first hand relocation experience.
- Quality control guarantee: Head Office directs all relocations and immigrations in every destination.
- All staff required to attend on-going training sessions and workshops to keep updated as to global mobility needs.
- No language barriers - Assistance provided in all major European languages and many others.
- Corporate consultation with EMC Network’ Representatives at location of choice.
- EMC Network own ‘Resource Guides’ providing a wealth of everyday information for expatlife in destination city.
- Comprehensive FAQs for each country serviced.
- Red Alert List to prepare for the specific challenges of each destination.
- Extra ‘Safety’ section in Resource Guides for countries posing specific security threats.
- 24-hour Emergency Helpline for Transferees throughout the duration of the relocation.
- Complimentary 3-month Helpline.
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For corporate FAQ
27. How can we determine a realistic Housing Budget for Transferees?
EMC Netowork work closely with reputable real estate agencies and can advise you as to a realistic budget for suitable housing
in expat areas. A principle concern is to also allow sufficient in the budget to also cover all property security and surveillance,
which is a necessity rather than an option.
28. How can we guarantee all Transferees will receive the same standard of service? (staff relocating
to main cities versus more rural areas?)
All EMC Netowork staff are selected for their local knowledge and expertise; they are either foreigners who have relocated themselves to
Ethiopia or local Ethiopians who have had experience living abroad or working within the expatriate community in their specific city. All of
them deliver our services according to our ISO standard procedures, guaranteeing the same high level of service delivery in every destination
city. All Local Staff are training using our inhouse ‘Training and Operations Manual’ and are given update trainings regularly.
29. How does EMC Network handle Group Moves?
All relocations are handled by the same system of centralization. When required, we arrange for a member of our office team
to go to the location of a group move to be an in-house Coordinator, working from the Client Company’s premises as a point
of reference for HR, Transferees and their families. In main centres we have several Local Counsellors.
30. What ongoing support is provided for Transferees and their families?
EMC Network aim to equip your workforce to settle into their new environment as soon as possible.
Upon arrival they are presented with a local Information Pack. They are given access to our on-line City Specific Resource Guides
that provide general local information as well as specific local information once a suitable property has been located.
We have a 24-hour Emergency Helpline throughout the duration of the relocation.
We provide a 90-day complimentary phone line that can be extended throughout the duration of the assignment.
Our aim is to teach the Transferee how to live in his new city and to equip him to be as independent as possible.
50
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EMC Network
Milano
Via T. da Cazzaniga 9/6
20121 Milano, Italy
Roma
Via Camerata Picena no 385
00138 Roma, Italy
Chiasso
Corso San Gottardo 14
6830 Chiasso - Canton Ticino (Lugano), Switzerland

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