Venue
11th International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling
23-26 Sep 2018 – Palermo, Italy
Palermo
Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, is located in the heart of the Mediterranean sea. Built and grown over the course of centuries, Palermo conveys a range of diverse cultures and traditions, from the Fenicians to the Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish-French people, until the recent unification within the Italian kingdom. Nestled in La Conca d’Oro (the golden shell) and roughly embraced by Monte Pellegrino and Capo Zafferano, Palermo was declared “the most beautifully situated town in the world” by Oscar Wilde – rightly, in many people’s eyes.
Palermo may not be the natural choice for first-time visitors to Italy, yet its dark complexities have attracted artists and writers for centuries: Wagner wrote Parsifal here, and until a few years ago Jenny Saville operated from a studio in a crumbling 18th-century palazzo.
Moving from the city center to the more recent quarters of Palermo, in via Ruggero VII and via Libertà, you will encounter very interesting shopping areas enriched by the presence of the two main city theatres, Politeama Garibaldi and Massimo, the largest opera theater in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Built between 1875 and 1891, it can accommodate more than 1,380 spectators. The opera was designed and supervised by the great Italian architect Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. It is considered one of the most famous operas in Italy where you can enjoy music and beautiful room.
Walking within then narrow and characteristic streets of the city center you will also be able to smell and taste the flavours of Palermo street food: “pani ‘ca meusa” and “panelle” (bread with fried spleen or chickpeas slices), “stigliola” (grilled meat), arancine (rice balls), “sfincione” (typical Palermo’s pizza) particularly abundant in historical markets of the city.
Colourful and picturesque, you will find small open shops selling food with their array of multicoloured awnings, their brightly painted stalls decked with assortments of fruit, vegetables or fish, lit with bare light-bulbs. To get the real soul of Palermo, take a walk at its markets. You will stroll through Ballarò market to reach Professa square with the baroque Casa Professa del Gesù church. The ‘Vucciria’ market is certainly Palermo’s most famous, always bustling with colour and noise (which possibly gave rise to its name). Eventually, just beyond Massimo theatre you will find the Capo market, the most famous for the variety of spices and aromas.
In the very close neighbourhoods of Palermo, the small village of Monreale hosts the Cathedral, a unique architectural jewel, built according to the Bizantine style and astonishingly enriched with golden mosaics, representing the main episodes of the Holy Bible.
The Foro Italico, a sea side marina walk populated by Palermo citizens, separates the city center from the sea side, reaching the gate of the city harbour the third largest commercial harbour in Italy. Here you can enjoy a walk, eating ice Palermo also offers wonderful options for enjoying beaches and bathing and swimming in the crystalline water of the city’s most popular beach of Mondello, 30 minutes from the city centre by city buses.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
Offering panoramic views across the Bay of Palermo, Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – MGallery Collection is 2 km from Palermo Harbour. It features an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and elegant rooms and suites. Every room has a different design and layout at Villa Igiea – MGallery Collection. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV with pay-per-view movies and a writing desk. Some rooms offer views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or Pellegrino mountain. Drinks are available from the bar, while the restaurant serves Sicilian specialities. You will also find a gym, solarium and massage rooms at this luxury 5-star hotel. Free parking is provided.
How to book
Via email to villa-igiea@amthotels.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Grand Hotel Wagner
The luxury Grand Hotel Wagner is full of old-world charm. This prestigious hotel is in the heart of Palermo, close to Politeama Theatre and many top-class shops and restaurants. Recently restored, this early-20th century building has exceptional interiors that featured in the famous Italian film ‘The Leopard’. Sit upon antique furniture and take in your surroundings; chandeliers, rare marble, rich carpets and old paintings. Rooms are just as exquisitely decorated. Sip a cocktail in the elegant American Bar or listen to relaxing music in the Piano Bar. The Wagner offers conference and business facilities with modern technology. Sessions in the fitness area and sauna, and massages can be booked on site.
Single Room: €110 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €175 B&B
How to book
Via website http://www.grandhotelwagner.it/it/ and use promo code UDM2018
Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel
Located in the heart of Palermo, close to the magnificent cathedral and the famous Via Maqueda, this hotel was once the noble 18th century Palazzo Tarallo. Originally a magnificent aristocratic residence, this hotel was brought back to its original splendour by an expert restoration completed in 2003. The particular care exercised in the selection of furnishings and the preservation of the original structures endowed the hotel with a special charm and a unique personality. On the main floor, lavish frescos and precious antique furniture recreate a magical atmosphere straight out of the novel ‘The Leopard’.
Single Room: €159 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €169 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@eurostarscentralepalace.com and mention the special code UDM2018
Hotel Palazzo Sitano
This elegant 18th century Baroque town house lies in the historic centre of Palermo. The Hotel is close to Piazza Marina. Its contemporary rooms offer flat-screen satellite TV. Featuring 1 free hour in the spa, all rooms at Palazzo Sitano have parquet floors and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom with hairdryer and a luxury toiletry set. Some rooms offer a balcony. Fresh fruit, salads and cheeses are offered in the buffet breakfast. Guests can enjoy free WiFi. Buses stop right outside Palazzo Sitano Hotel and connect you to Palermo Railway Station. A valet parking service is available on request.
Single Room: €150 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €185 B&B
How to book
Via website http://www.hotelpalazzositano.it/ and use promo code UDM2018
Hotel Garibaldi
Hotel Garibaldi is located just close to Palermo’s famous Politeama Theatre. The Hotel offers stylish rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV and free WiFi. All rooms have modern décor and a private bathroom. Each morning, a varied buffet breakfast is served with fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Later you can relax and enjoy a cocktail in the ultra-modern American bar.
Single Room: €92 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €115 B&B
How to book
Via email to garibaldi@ghshotels.it or please mention the name of hotel ‘Garibaldi’ and the special code UDM2018
Hotel Plaza Opéra
Located in the heart of Palermo, Hotel Plaza Opéra is just 150 m from the Politeama Theatre. The rooms offer elegant parquet floors, air conditioning, and a flat-screen satellite TV. All rooms are either decorated with serigraphs by great modern painters, or with original 18th-century French engravings inspired by Jean de la Fontaine’s fables. The Plaza Opéra Hotel boasts a spacious lobby, with antique paintings and furniture, works by modern artists, and state-of-the-art design. There is a cosy lounge bar with art books. The breakfast includes delicious local specialities. Private transfers can also be booked at reception.
Single Room: €85 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €140 B&B
How to book
Via website http://www.hotelplazaopera.com/it/ and use promo code UDM2018
Hotel Joli
Hotel Joli is located in the heart of Palermo. This beautiful building from the early 19th century features original frescoes and antique works of art. The unbeatable location of the Joli Hotel is ideal for those wanting to experience the city in full. Its large terrace overlooks the surrounding gardens and the beautiful piazza.
Start your day with a typical breakfast, complete with Sicilian cakes and fresh fruit. Relax in your elegant room, tastefully decorated with rich fabrics and paintings. The hotel was refurbished in 2003 and features all modern amenities including free internet connection in all rooms.
Single Room: €44 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €64 B&B
How to book
Via website https://www.hoteljoli.com/ssl/ and use promo code UDM2018
Hospitality Hotel
Hospitality Hotel is set in Palermo, a 10-minute walk from the central Via Roma. This property features free WiFi, an on-site bar, and a shared garden area is also available.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine and minibar. You will find a kettle in the room. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath or shower and bidet, with free toiletries provided.
There is a 24-hour front desk.
The hotel also offers the car hire service. Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo dei Normanni are both 1 km from Hospitality Hotel, while Via Maqueda is 800 m.
Single Room: €65 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €75 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@hospitalityhotelpalermo.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Hotel Tonic
Hotel Tonic is located in the centre of Palermo, close to the port. It is close to Teatro Massimo and Teatro Politeama. You can start your day with the generous breakfast buffet. There is a bar and a 24-hour reception.
Staff at the Tonic Hotel speak good English and will help make your stay in Palermo special.
Ruggero Settimo, very close to the Hotel Tonic, is a great choice for travellers interested in food, monuments and culture.
Single Room: €80 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €100 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@hoteltonic.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Hotel Athenaum
Offering free parking in central Palermo, Hotel Athenaeum is located close to the Palermo Station and the historic centre. The Hotel has spacious rooms and a restaurant.
All rooms at Hotel Athenaeum have light colours, air conditioning and TV.
The Athenaeum’s restaurant specializes in Italian and international cuisine, along with Sicilian dishes. At the bar guests can relax with a local liqueur.
The Hotel Athenaeum is very close to Palermo University.
How to book
For a special offer visit website https://secure.visioni.info/albergoathenaeum.it/book/booking/index.php and use promo code UDM2018
Hotel Gloria
Residence Hotel Gloria is located close to the city center, offers free WiFi,. It has furnished rooms with air conditioning. A sweet daily breakfast is included.
All rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with hairdryer. You can enjoy city views from your room.
At the Residence Hotel Gloria you can relax on the shared terrace on in the lounge.
Palermo’s Cathedral is a pleasant 20-minute walk from this hotel.
Single Room: €39 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €55 B&B
How to book
Via website www.albergogloria.it and insert «UDM2018» on «Special requests»
Hotel Europa
Palermo’s Hotel Europa is just 500 m from Piazza Castelnuovo. Each is equipped with air conditioning and TV.
The hotel features a small conference room for up to 30 delegates. You will also find an internet point in the lobby.
You can enjoy a drink at the American bar and a traditional Sicilian meal at the small restaurant, exclusively reserved for hotel guests.
The Europa Hotel is just around the corner from the port, the station, and the airport bus terminal.
Single Room: €49 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €59 B&B Triple Room: €69 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@hoteleuropapalermo.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Palazzo Torre B&B
B&B Palazzo Torre offers accommodation in the historical La Kalsa area of Palermo, just a 5-minute from Palermo Centrale Train Station. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV. All rooms include a private bathroom. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer.
You will find a coffee machine and a kettle in the shared living room. You will find luggage storage space at the property.
Palermo Cathedral is 1 km from B&B Palazzo Torre.
La Kalsa is a great choice for travellers interested in architecture, history and monuments.
Single Room: €60 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €65 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@palazzotorrebb.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Nuvole Residenza
The Nuvole Residenza is located in the historic building of the centre of Palermo, just 200 m from the Quattro Canti square. It offers elegant rooms with handmade furniture, floor heating and artwork on display from the Nuvole Art Gallery. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, and soundproofed windows. The private bathrooms are complete with shower and rain shower. Suites are also available.
Breakfast is served daily at the Nuvole Art Gallery. The buffet includes bread, jam, cheese, homemade cakes, organic jam, fresh fruit and other Sicilian specialities.
The property is set on the first and second floor of the Principe di San Vincenzo Palace, a historic building with lift. The interiors mix antiques and handmade furniture designed by artist Gaetano Cipolla.
Monte di Pietà is a great choice for travellers interested in cathedrals, sightseeing and city walks
Single Room: €78 B&B
Double/Twin Room: €85 B&B
How to book
Via email to info@nuvoleresidenza.it and mention the special code UDM2018
Suite alla Gancia
In front of the splendid Church of Gancia, immersed in the historic district of Kalsa, the historical cultural center of Palermo, the Gancia Suite has been created, the courtyard is very quiet and quiet as cars can not walk through it.
How to book
Via website https://www.airbnb.it/rooms/27498939?/
Conference Venue
The UDM sessions will be held at the modern Conference building located in within the University of Palermo’s Campus. With its 19 rooms, the conference building is an ideal location to host parallel sessions during the UDM.
The opening session will be held at the Aula Magna of the Polytechnic School of Palermo, located within the University of Palermo’s Campus. The Campus is very close to the city center and is easy to be reach; the main entrance to Campus is just a few meters from the underground station and is also reached by the urban bus service. The University of Palermo’s Campus is located within the Park d’Orléans.
The park was built in the early nineteenth century as a reserve d’Orléans Palace, which currently houses the Presidency of the Sicilian Region. It is also an experimental catchment with measuring (quality and quantity) of an area of 10 ha stations.
Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 19
Polididattico
How to reach Palermo
How to reach Palermo city centre from Palermo airport:
BY CAR
Palermo airport is connected to the city centre by the A29 highway (about 35 km, i.e. 40–45 min driving).
BY TRAIN
The Trinacria Express connects Palermo central station directly with the terminal.
Ticket costs around €6.00. Click for the timetable
BY BUS
From Palermo central station (or Piazza Politeama) to the airport and vice versa: Autolinee Prestia e Comandè.. Buses every 30 min. Trip duration 45–60 min. Ticket costs around €6.50.
BY TAXI
A special rate of €35 is offered to UDM participants to reach the city centre by the company Cooperativa Autoradiotaxi. To reach the center the rate is €38.
Trapani Airport
The second airport located in Trapani (about 120 km from Palermo) offers also a number of low-cost flights from/to most European countries. Trapani airport is connected to Palermo city center by BUS. Click for the timetable.
info@udm2018.org
Phone
+ 39 091 238 96 556
+ 39 091 238 96 514
Fax
+ 39 091 23860810
