ABOUT ITALY

Before we show you the best that Imola has in store for you, let's take a look at Italy itself. 

Check out practical information about the country so you can appreciateyour stay at the Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix without any worries and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Entrance to Italy

If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you have virtually no worries. The country is part of the Schengen area, so you can travel through it without restrictions, visas and even without a passport - just your country's ID card. You may only face random checks at the border, but due to the migration crisis, you should expect them when leaving the country to the north and France.

Currency

In Italy, you pay in euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's key card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card, not just a regular credit card. It may not be enough.

There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you are likely to be charged a withdrawal fee, which can be up to €10, or 10 per cent of the transaction. 

Electricity

In Italy, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is common, as it is throughout continental Europe. But beware of the type of sockets. Specific sockets are used here, which have only two pins with a smaller diameter. Mobile phone chargers are not a problem, but larger appliances, such as laptops, can be difficult to charge. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a reducer with you. This is also available in many Italian shops or at petrol stations. 

Mobile services

There are three main mobile operators in Italy. These are Wind, Vodafone, and TIM. European Union citizens pay the standard tariff that applies in their home country. However, data charges may vary. 
If you're travelling from outside the EU, it's worth getting a prepaid card, which you can buy at petrol stations or newsagents. WIND's tariff is usually the best value.

Important telephone numbers

The Italian international dialling code is +39
Gendarmes (police responsible for security in small towns and villages): 112
Police: 113
Rescue service: 118
Firefighters: 115
Towing service: 116
English-speaking assistance: 170

Interesting facts about Italy

Italy is the fifth most populous country in Europe and was one of the founding members of the EU. There are two other independent states within Italy. These are San Marino and the Vatican City.

Italy is home to the world's oldest university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Dante Alighieri, the famous poet and author of the Divine Comedy, and Giorgio Napolitano, former President of Italy (2006-2015), studied here. Italy is also home to the largest university in Europe. It is the University of Rome and is attended by 150,000 students. 

Italy has a total of 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country. These include cultural sites such as the Colosseum in Rome and the archaeological site of Pompeii. Natural wonders such as the Dolomites and the Cinque Terre. 

Italy is the world's largest producer of wine, with more than 48 million hectolitres produced annually. The history of winemaking dates back to ancient Rome.

In the town of Caldari di Ortona, there is a fountain from which wine flows all year round and can be drunk for free.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Italian inventor Giovanni Branca built the first steam engine, laying the foundations for the Industrial Revolution.

The world's first violin also comes from Italy. They appeared here around 1500 and were built by Andrea Amati. Amati was a member of a family of musical instrument makers, his work laid the foundation for the modern violin, and his instruments are still in great demand today.

Italy has a strong tradition in motorsport and has produced some of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, including Alberto Ascari, Massimiliano "Max" Papis and Andrea de Cesaris.