Venue, Travel and Accommodation

IRSPM 2025 in Bologna will be held at the Bologna Congress Centre, located approximately 4 km from the city’s historic center.

Address: Piazza della Costituzione, 4, 40128 Bologna BO
Venue website: https://www.bolognacongresscenter.com/

Thanks to its strategic location, the Bologna Congress Centre is less than 30 minutes walking from Bologna’s historic center and easily accessible from key transportation hubs (just 18 minutes away from Bologna central station by bus)

• Airport: About 7.8 km from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi International Airport.
• Train Station: Approximately 3.3 km from Bologna Central Station.
• Public Transport: Bus lines 28, 35, 38, and 39 connect the center to the city and train station.  
• Taxis: Over 800 taxis and chauffeur-driven services are available.
• Motorway Access: Direct access from the A1 motorway via the dedicated "Fiera" exit.

We have secured the following special travel offers for our participants:

• Trains: http://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/business/events-calendar/trains-offers
• Flights: 10% discount on the fare component on a wide range of public airfares on Air France, KLM and code-shared flights.

Registered event: IRSPM 2025
Unique event ID Code: GME50383AF
Authorized Travel Period: March 31, 2025 to April 16, 2025
Event Location: Bologna - Italy
The tickets can be booked via: the dedicated Air France or KLM websites and by applying the unique event ID code during the check-out process. 

If you have any issues concerning codes, access to links, or any special situation, please send an email to one of the following email addresses: agenzia@bolognawelcome.it; Miriana Barbara mbarbara@bolognawelcome.it; Rita Goni rgoni@bolognawelcome.it

A wide range of hotels is available in Bologna, serving all budgets and personal tastes.

You may also like to check the accommodation options offered by the Booking listing specially prepared for this IRSPM Conference: https://tinyurl.com/EN-BOLOGNAWELCOME-IRSPM

Several rooms have been blocked for IRSPM 2025 participants.

• Rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations should be made online.
• Room rates are inclusive of tax & service charge.
• The city tax is not included and must be paid directly at the hotel.
• If you have any special requests (e.g. extra beds, pets, etc.), please indicate them in the Note box in the online registration form.

PHD COURSE  - 3 - 5 April

To verify availability for additional nights preceding the conference dates, please send an email to agenzia@bolognawelcome.it, indicating the desired dates and the preferred hotel among the ones provided from the Booking listing https://tinyurl.com/EN-BOLOGNAWELCOME-IRSPM). The office will assist in checking availability for the requested period.

For more requests, please contact: Fondazione Bologna Welcome

agenzia@bolognawelcome.it  or mbarbara@bolognawelcome.it 

Phone +39(0)516583187 or +39(0)516583190

If you have any issues concerning codes, access to links, or any special situation, please send an email to one of the following email addresses: agenzia@bolognawelcome.it; Miriana Barbara mbarbara@bolognawelcome.it; Rita Goni rgoni@bolognawelcome.it

The Bologna Congress Centre is conveniently accessible from the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ). Below are the recommended options for transportation:

1. The Marconi Express Shuttle train (recommended)
   The Marconi Express is a rapid monorail service that connects Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale railway station in just 7 minutes (from 5:40 am to midnight). From the railway station, you can reach the venue:
2. By taxi (approximately 15 minutes).
3. By bus: Lines 35 or 38 – Get off at Fiera Palazzo Congressi; Line 25 – Get off at Parcheggio Costituzione (850 m, 12 minutes by walk); Line 68 – Get off at Stalingrado Parri (350 m, 5 minutes by walk).
4. Taxi
   Taxis are readily available at the airport and provide a direct and convenient way to reach the Bologna Congress Centre. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
5. Bus
   Bus lines are available from the airport to the Conference Venue (click here to see the direction and stop of each transit lines, and the distance).
6. Car Rental
   Car rental services are available at Bologna Airport. If you plan to drive, the venue has parking facilities.

Public transportation in Bologna is dense, reliable, and well-connected. For travel information, schedules, live tracking, we recommend using Google Maps.

Tickets and Passes
Passengers can use the “tap and go” service directly on the bus: https://www.tper.it/go

Tickets and travel passes can be purchased at:

• Newsagent’s (Tabacchi)
• Newsstands
• Ticket machines located at major bus stops and train stations or on board (with a surcharge).

Printed tickets must be validated immediately after boarding buses. Failure to do so may result in fines. Always carry a valid ticket while using public transportation.

Bike sharing service
RideMovi is a bike sharing service that allows you to rent a bike quickly and easily: download the app, search the map for the nearest bike and scan the QR code to start.

Taxis
For reliable taxi services in Bologna, we recommend:

• COTABO (Phone: +39 051 372727 | App: BTaxi)
• CAT (Phone: +39 051 4590 | App: ITTAXI)

Both services provide options for immediate pick-ups and booking.

After completing your registration, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to activate the IRSPM Congress Card. This card grants access to exclusive discounts on transportation, tours, restaurants, and more, valid from April 4 to April 12, 2025.

All necessary information, including a contact email address, will be provided upon registration and full payment of the fees.

The Local Organizing Committee is arranging opportunities for historic building visits and potential discounts for cultural activities and exhibitions. We will add these opportunities shortly.

In the meantime, IRSPM 2025 participants are warmly encouraged to take the opportunity to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture at their own pace. Bologna is a city that perfectly blends history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Bologna has something to offer:

Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio

Start your journey in the heart of Bologna at Piazza Maggiore, a sprawling square surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Here, you’ll find the impressive Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world. Its unique unfinished façade and exquisite interiors make it a must-see.

Palazzo Re Enzo

Add to your itinerary the historic Palazzo Re Enzo, situated next to Piazza Maggiore. The building's medieval architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into Bologna's past. Today, Palazzo Re Enzo is used for exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events. Exploring its grand halls and intricate details provides a unique insight into the city's rich history.

Quadrilatero and Food Markets

For food enthusiasts, the Quadrilatero area is a paradise. This historic market district is packed with traditional shops, delis, and trattorias. Indulge in local specialties like tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.

Archiginnasio of Bologna

As the seat of the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna is steeped in academic history. The Archiginnasio, once the main building of the University of Bologna, is a treasure trove of frescoes, ornate halls, and the fascinating Anatomical Theatre, where medical students once studied anatomy.

The Two Towers: Asinelli and Garisenda

No visit to Bologna is complete without seeing the city’s most famous landmarks, Le Due Torri. These medieval towers, particularly the Torre degli Asinelli, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Climbing the 498 steps to the top is well worth the effort.

Porticoes of Bologna

Bologna is famous for its porticoes, which stretch for nearly 40 kilometers throughout the city. These covered walkways not only provide shelter but also add charm and character to the streets. The Portico di San Luca, leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, is the longest in the world and offers a scenic walk.

Santo Stefano Complex

Known as the Seven Churches, the Santo Stefano complex is a fascinating religious site that dates back to Roman times. Its labyrinth of courtyards, chapels, and cloisters provides a glimpse into Bologna’s spiritual and architectural history.

Modern Attractions

For a modern twist, visit the MAMbo – Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna, showcasing contemporary art, or explore the Grand Tour Italia, a sprawling theme park dedicated to celebrating Italy's rich cultural and gastronomic diversity.

Download the "MyBologna" app for things to see and do  https://app.bolognawelcome.com/en

1. Bologna Play at Fiera 4-6 April https://bolognafiere.it/play-2025-evolution/
2. Fiera del Cicloturismo at Piazza Lucio Dalla 4-6 April https://www.fieradelcicloturismo.it/
3. Concert Jovanotti - 3, 5, 6 april at Unipol Arena, Bologna https://www.ticketone.it/event/lorenzo-jovanotti-palajova-2025-unipol-arena-18817914/
4. Bologna - Napoli soccer match - 6 April https://www.bolognafc.it/en/match/bologna-vs-napoli-7/
5. Exhibition Ai Weiwei. Who am I? at Palazzo Fava (21 September 2024 - 4 May 2025)   https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/events/exhibitions/ai-weiwei-who-am-i
6. Concert Symphonika On The Rock at Teatro Celebrazioni, 3 April, 9:00 PM https://teatrocelebrazioni.it/stagione-24-25-symphonika-on-the-rock-3-aprile-2025/
7. Concert BROOKLYN RIDER with AVI AVITAL (mandolin) at Teatro Auditorium Manzoni, 7 April, 8:30PM https://www.vivaticket.com/it/ticket/brooklyn-rider-avi-avital/246148?culture=it-it
8. Concert Night Fever. A Tribute To The Bee Gees, at Teatro delle Celebrazioni, 7 April, 9:00PM https://teatrocelebrazioni.it/stagione-24-25-night-fever-a-tribute-to-the-bee-gees/ 
9. Concert Tribute Pink Floyd. Us and Them - The Dark Side of The Moon Live Project, 9 April https://www.vivaticket.com/it/ticket/tributo-pink-floyd/237967