GENERAL
PREPARATIONS
LIFE IN GENOA
ACADEMIC FACILITIES
updated: 18 October 2024
We have our academic facilities in the convent of Santa Maria di Castello, one of the hidden treasures of Genoa in the heart of the oldest part of the city. Originally this was a convent of the Dominican order, but they have departed (after 800 years) and the more recent association of priests have departed as well. The FIU center is in the wing of the convent still owned by the Dominican order who are now in Milan.
FIU academic center has two large classrooms on two floors, a seminar room and two bathrooms, and is close to the UniGe School of Architecture.
Internet
We have wifi internet service throughout the renovated facilities, a significant improvement over our previous service. While the service is very good by Italian standards, and better than the University of Genoa department of architecture, it may not be as fast as what you are accustomed to. You will need to adjust your expectations. Due to bandwidth limits, during periods with large student presence in our facilities you may be asked to turn off personal wifi connection on your laptop and phone.
Security/Keys
The convent is a valuable property, and it is also a museum with art and sculpture displayed on its walls. The Dominicans are pleased to have us here, but they depend on us to protect it as well by always keeping the outer door locked and taking care of the keys.
Students are permitted to check out keys should they wish to use the convent for a study area or make use of the wifi. Any students who choose to check out a key must ensure they turn all lights, fans, any electronics off, close all windows and shutters, and lock the convent when they leave. No one has access to these rooms in the convent except us, the Italian professors, and the cleaning service. Please do not leave valuables.