Tom: - Whoa! I'm going to the centre of the world this summer!"
Jen: -Ooh! I bet it will be roasty toasty! Uhm...So, where is it exactly?"
Tom: - Foligno!
Jen: - Foolin...What?
Tom: - No foolin, you idiot! Foligno!
Jen: - And where on earth is Foligno??
Tom: - ...
Foligno is a fascinating city located in Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Because of its central position within the country and Italy being in the centre of the Mediterranean sea, years ago it was defined "Centru de lu munnu" (The centre of the World).
And....Guess what?? In the centre of Foligno there used to be a café called Gran Caffè Sassovivo and in the centre of that café there used to be a pool table....And in the centre of that pool table there was a red pin and THAT marked the centre of the world!
Things you should know before you drive in Italy.
• Drive on the right side! ![]()
• Pay attention when overtaking, which will be on the left.
• When driving in Italy you need to carry a valid driving licence, proof of insurance and proof of ID.
• Do not drive in an area with a sign that says ZONA A TRAFFICO LIMITATO (ZTL) or AREA PEDONALE, limited traffic or pedestrian zones, you'll get a fine!
• When driving on Italian motorways (autostrade), you need to pay a fee. You must take a ticket ("biglietto") when you enter and pay when you exit. When you exit you must pay either by cash or card, DO NOT go into the Telepass lane.
Motorways in Italy are indicated by green signs. Italy's "autostrade" have a standard speed limit of 130 Km/h (81 mph) for cars. the further left you are the faster you should go.
• Filling the car at the petrol station is fairly simple, the pumps are often self service ("fai da te"). NOTE that since Italy has a PIN credit card system, you can only use your credit card if it has a PIN. If not you should use a debit card.
Don't forget! "Benzina" stands for unleaded petrol and "Gasolio" is diesel.
• Be confident, keep up with the traffic and stay alert!
