*The garrison public affairs office translates summaries of local news articles for the convenience of non-Italian speaking community members. The information contained in these summaries is originally written by Italian news sources and does not reflect the opinion of U.S. Army Garrison Italy or any of its tenant commands. Direct any questions about the Italian news to the garrison public affairs office.*
Italian News from Vicenza – April 22, 2025
Vicenza mourns Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin emerges as potential successor - April 22, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday brought a wave of emotion to Vicenza. Many gathered at Monte Berico throughout the day to pray and pay homage, filling the sanctuary with a spontaneous and respectful flow of visitors. The pontiff was remembered during morning Mass, adding to the solemnity of the occasion. Meanwhile, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, from Schiavon, Vicenza, is considered a strong candidate to succeed Pope Francis, according to bookmakers. As Secretary of State of the Holy See since 2013 and one of the Pope's closest collaborators, Parolin holds significant diplomatic experience, including managing relations with Venezuela, Vietnam, and China. While tradition poses a challenge—only three Vatican Secretaries of State have become Pope—his expertise and dedication to global peace strengthen his position. Parolin has tackled significant challenges, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing the need to avoid escalation to minimize harm to civilians. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Veneto faces teacher shortage as over 6,000 seek transfers - April 21, Vicenzatoday
Over 6,000 teachers in Veneto have requested transfers to other regions, primarily in central and southern Italy, ahead of the next school year. This marks an increase of 1,463 requests compared to the previous year, raising concerns about staffing shortages in comprehensive schools. Verona leads with 1,190 transfer requests, followed by Vicenza (1,141) and Treviso (1,115), which saw the largest year-over-year increase (+309).Among the key reasons are stagnant salaries, escalating housing costs, and rising utility expenses. Furthermore, Veneto is grappling with a declining birth rate, which has triggered school mergers and closures. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza marks the 80th Anniversary of Liberation with month-long events - April 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation and fascism on April 25, a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The Municipality of Vicenza is commemorating the occasion with a series of events and initiatives, highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Municipality and the Forum of Anti-Fascist Associations, led by mayor Giacomo Possamai.
The calendar of events began on April 17 and runs through May 22, featuring key activities such as:
- April 25: Official commemoration in Piazza dei Signori with Walter Veltroni as the guest speaker.
- April 28: High school students reading letters from the Resistance and touring historic Resistance sites.
- May 15: Book presentation of "La guerra partigiana in Italia. 1943-1945" at Palazzo Cordellina.
Possamai emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of this historic period as a continuing inspiration for freedom and societal commitment. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza woman leaves over €700,000 in her will to San Bortolo hospital - April 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Orsolina Corato, a 99-year-old woman from Vicenza who passed away in February, left over €700,000 to the San Bortolo Hospital through her will. Her generous legacy includes real estate, bank accounts, investment funds, and life insurance policies. With no children or close relatives, Corato chose the Ulss 8 Berica Health Authority as her sole heir, reflecting her strong civic sense and connection to the local healthcare system. The funds will be used for investments and projects to support and enhance public health services. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Celebrate olives, traditions at the Barbarano Mossano olive festival - April 22, Vicenzatoday
The Olivolà Olive festival takes place on Sunday, April 27, in Barbarano Mossano, nestled in the Berici Hills. This full-day celebration highlights the area's traditions, local products, and olive oil —a signature product of the region. The program includes guided walks, a bike tour, markets, family-friendly activities like Pompieropoli (little firefighter demos), painting exhibits, live music, and culinary delights, including the famous Barbaran fritters. Highlights in Mossano feature food stands, wine tastings, guided tours of ancient prisons, circus performances, and a special appearance by cycling legend Francesco Moser.Visitors can enjoy activities across both villages, connected by a train shuttle, while Olly the Olive adds charm to the event. It promises an immersive experience for all ages. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Monteviale tops Vicenza's income rankings amid growing economic disparities - April 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The 2023 data on average annual taxable income in Vicenza highlights significant economic disparities within the province. Monteviale leads with €30,291 per capita, confirming its appeal as a high-end residential hub for affluent professionals and entrepreneurs seeking tranquility near the city. Costabissara, Sovizzo, and Pove follow closely due to their strategic location and strong ties to industrial areas. Conversely, mountain municipalities like Foza, Pedemonte, and Enego report much lower incomes, reflecting challenges such as depopulation, limited infrastructure, and reliance on seasonal tourism or small-scale agriculture. Medium-sized towns like Marostica and Trissino also performed well, while Vicenza's income growth ranked eight at €27,310. The overall trend suggests that areas with robust services, infrastructure, and connectivity maintain economic stability, whereas remote or underdeveloped regions continue to face challenges. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Bialetti is no longer Italian: another piece of “Made in Italy” goes to China – April 16, Today.it
Bialetti, the iconic company linked to the famous moka, leaves Italian control after more than a century. The Nuo Capital fund linked to Hong Kong magnate Stephen Cheng signed two agreements for the acquisition of 78.56 percent of the share capital of Bialetti Industrie. Founded in 1919, Bialetti is one of the symbolic brands of Italian industrial design, famous throughout the world for the Brikka moka, an icon of the domestic ritual of coffee. The transfer of control to Nuo Capital, a group based in Luxembourg, reignites the debate on the sale of historic national brands and the future of production in Italy. It remains to be seen whether the new ownership will maintain its headquarters and production activities in Italy, or whether part of the operations may be relocated to Asia. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza opens its secret gardens to visitors on April 26 and 27 – April 16, VicenzaToday
Next weekend, it will be possible to visit the most evocative and curious private gardens in the historic center of Vicenza. Registration for Interno Verde Vicenza includes the map of the gardens and a bracelet, which works as a personal access pass valid for both days. Wearing the bracelet, it will be possible to independently choose which and how many gardens to visit, in the order you prefer, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. The visit will be accompanied by a free audio guide. Dogs are only allowed if held in your arms during the visit and the event will take place even in case of rain. The price is €11 until Friday, April 25. Free for children up to 13 years old. You can register and pay online and then go to the InfoPoint to collect the bracelet and the map. The InfoPoint will be open from Wednesday, April 23, inside the Basilica Palladiana. Here’s the website https://internoverde.it/vicenza/edizione-2025/ (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza celebrates Giro d’Italia with four-day cycling festival – April 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Vicenza is set to celebrate the return of the Giro d’Italia with a four-day cycling festival at Campo Marzo from May 22 to 25, leading up to the race stage on May 23. After a decade-long absence, local organizers are aiming for a grand spectacle, engaging cycling fans before, during and after the race. Announced at a conference at Palazzo Trissino, the festivities will feature a lively village showcasing sports and local businesses, with downtown shops embracing the iconic pink theme. The event will highlight Vicenza and the Berici Hills to a global audience through TV coverage, while offering numerous activities, including food trucks, breweries and live entertainment. Saturday’s program includes competitive youth races alongside non-competitive rides such as a cycling social club event, a nighttime gravel ride and the “Around the Berici” ride. Visitors can also enjoy Zamperla rides, a hot air balloon area, cycling discussions and appearances by Olympic champion Silvio Martinello. The celebration will culminate with a performance by the Alpini fanfare and paratroopers. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Basilica terrace bar reopens with extended management – April 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The terrace bar of the Palladian Basilica is set to reopen this weekend, weather permitting, following an extension granted to previous concessionaire Palladio 9. City officials expedited the reopening to begin the season before Easter, pushing aperitif hours forward to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, the city is finalizing a tender process to select a long-term concessionaire for the next five years. The five-year concession is valued at €550,000, with an annual fixed fee starting at €15,300. The terrace bar will operate Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m., offering visitors a unique experience overlooking the historic center. The timeline for selecting a new manager remains uncertain, but for now, the service continues under a temporary arrangement. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Seven days of music and good food at Cà Trenta Festival in Schio – April 15, VicenzaToday
The 61st Cà Trenta Festival will take place in Schio on April 25-27 and May 1-4. This event combines gastronomy, live music, entertainment and tradition. The festival will feature a food stand serving specialties such as mixed grill, polenta, sausages, grilled quail, and the famous “panin onto,” a local sandwich. In case of rain, the food will be served indoors. The program includes happy hours, DJ sets and live music. There will also be community-focused activities, including the “Walk with Us” on May 1. The festival will end with an Afro Melody music event on May 4. Overall, the Cà Trenta Festival will offer a festive atmosphere and a variety of entertainment for everyone. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)
Trout Festival in Cresole of Caldogno April 24-27 – April 14, VicenzaToday
From April 24 to 27, the Trout Festival returns to Cresole in the evenings. Do not miss the chance to taste a variety of dishes, with the famous trout and its delicate flavor as star of the menu. Trout-based dishes include the Trota alla Cresolana, the Trout Filet, both served with a side dish and polenta, and the fried trout. The menu also features fettuccine with trout and asparagus, bigoli with sardine sauce, a vegetarian pasticcio, and penne all'amatriciana. The polenta that accompanies the dishes is made using the renowned local Pignoletto d’oro, corn flour variety, and to finish off try the bussolà, a doughnut-shaped sweet with butter and Pignoletto d’oro corn flour. Table service will be available, as well as a take-away option.(Summary by Angela Balbo)
San Marco Festival in Montegalda with food, market and hot air balloon show – Pro Loco Montegalda FB page
The San Marco Festival returns to Montegalda from April 24–27. Every night, there will be the opportunity to taste asparagus-based dishes and more delicious local food. One of the highlights of the festival is the market on Friday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hot air balloon is back for the 2025 edition in the afternoon from 4:30 at Parco Cuore Verde. There will be guided tours of the Montegalda castle on Friday and Sunday, upon reservation at memorabilia.storia@gmail.com (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Recent Italian News highlights
Another bomb near Montebello, the fourth in five months – April 15, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Another unexploded bomb was found in Montebello, the fifth in less than three years, the fourth in the last five months. Not even time to archive the latest defusing carried out last Sunday, April 13, and the town must prepare for yet another “bomb day.” The bomb came to light yesterday at the TAV construction site, the new High-Speed/High-Capacity railway line in the section that crosses the municipal territory of Montebello. It appears to be a 500-pound (227 kilogram) U.S. bomb. In the first three months of 2025 alone, the soldiers of the eighth regiment carried out about 100 remediation operations and destroyed over 200 war devices of various types and calibers. Montebello is therefore preparing for another Sunday of passion, date to be determined. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
A network of Palladian Villas: Vicenza’s UNESCO initiative – April 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The City of Vicenza has developed a 2024-2030 Management Plan to address challenges in managing the UNESCO site “The City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas in Veneto.” Spanning seven provinces and 24 villas, the site’s fragmented nature poses difficulties in accessibility, oversight and financial sustainability. The plan seeks to create a cohesive network that promotes collaboration between public and private entities, supports conservation and enhances public enjoyment. Recent achievements include reopening sites like Santa Maria Nova and increasing access to Villa Gazzotti. The plan also focuses on education, community engagement and digitization, integrating heritage into daily life. This approach aims to make the villas sustainable cultural hubs, serving as an innovative model for managing widespread heritage sites. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Strolling through many districts of Agno and Chiampo valleys – April 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza
A route suitable for all seasons can be planned by those who want to discover the many districts between Agno and Chiampo valleys. The route begins in front of Cerealto’s church and among meadows, woods and districts you can take a nice circular tour, suitable for mountain bikes, Nordic walking, but also for those who simply love walking in nature. Almost eight kilometers, which can be covered in about two and a half hours with an altitude difference of almost 300 meters. From Cerealto, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lessini Mountains, Venetian Pre-Alps, and, on clear days, even the Venice lagoon. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)
Arsiero, 86-year-old retiree builds violins for pleasure – April 13, il Giornale di Vicenza
Roberto Lovato lives in Arsiero and is 86 years old. For at least 20 years, he has been creating beautiful violins in his home. He builds every part of the instrument, applying techniques that are based on what he read in a text on the great Antonio Stradivari, and on the art of making violins. The passion was born when a friend of his who was a violin maker taught him the trade before falling ill and dying. He even invented his own paint by mixing turmeric, alcohol and oils, with resins brought from Germany. Today, Roberto Lovato’s collection has 20 pieces: 18 violins and two violas. They are not for sale. “Making a violin seems simple, but it is very complicated. You must respect all the measurements, take care of every shape for a greater sound,” he said. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The Basilica Palladiana exhibit: photography and the “resurrection” of theaters – April 12, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The exhibition “Theatricality. Architecture for Wonder,” which opened on April 12 at the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza, celebrates the essence of theaters as spaces where communities gather. Featuring about 60 large images by Patrizia Mussa, the exhibition emphasizes architectural elements—buildings, friezes, statues—rather than human figures, creating dreamlike compositions enriched with watercolors and colored pencils. Mussa’s unique process transforms photographs into rarefied, almost timeless artworks that capture the spirit of iconic venues like “La Scala” in Milan, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and the Teatro Olimpico. Curated by Antonio Calbi and promoted by the Municipality of Vicenza, the show also introduces new works featuring Vicenza landmarks. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it runs until June 8. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Day trips in the Veneto, here are some ideas – April 7, Sgaialand
Do you want to go somewhere new but do not have a lot of time to travel? Here are some ideas in the Veneto region, not too far from Vicenza:
*Cison di Valmarino (Treviso) – The village of artisans
Listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Cison di Valmarino is a place where time seems to have stopped, among stone houses, historic fountains, small bridges and green views nestled in the Treviso Prealps. From here you can walk up to the Brandolini Castle, today a refined period residence.
**Villa dei Vescovi in Luvigliano (Padova) – A window on the Renaissance
In the heart of the Euganean Hills, Villa dei Vescovi is an elegant sixteenth-century residence immersed in the Venetian hilly landscape, the ideal place for a cultural and relaxing trip. Not to be missed is the possibility of having a picnic among the vineyards with a gourmet basket.
***Pian delle Fugazze (Vicenza) – Walk through the pastures and history
Located between Pasubio and Monte Cornetto, it is the perfect starting point for panoramic excursions, such as the path that leads to the Rifugio Achille Papa or the more challenging one of the 52 Tunnels. But it is also a place of memory, marked by the Great War, with the evocative Ossuary that dominates the valley. Ideal for those who love nature but also silences full of history. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Tap&Tap expands across Veneto: smarter ticketing for regional trains – April 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Starting Apr. 12, Trenitalia’s Tap&Tap system will be extended to all regional train lines in the Veneto, offering passengers a quick and convenient way to purchase tickets using contactless payment methods via smartphone or smartwatch. Since its launch a year ago, the system has recorded 48,000 journeys, with a significant share of tickets issued on popular routes such as Venezia Mestre–Venezia Santa Lucia and Padova–Venezia Santa Lucia. Users “tap in” before boarding and “tap out” upon arrival to ensure accurate fare calculation. Forgetting to tap out results in the maximum fare being applied unless corrected by the end of the day. Registering a payment card on Trenitalia’s website enables automatic fare optimization based on trip frequency and routes. The launch on the Venezia–Portogruaro line is delayed due to ongoing infrastructure work. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Weather, Easter week will bring more rain – April 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The weather will be nice and sunny until Apr. 12. On Sunday, south-westerly winds will kick in, resulting in a gray day with the first rains expected in the late afternoon. Monday is expected to have widespread and persistent rains, and daytime temperatures dropping. The weather will also be rainy until Apr. 16 and will only get better from Apr. 17. Like last year, the first three months of 2025 saw overall precipitation practically double the average. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Archaeological excavations in Malo uncover traces of an Iron Age temple – April 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The area of Monte Palazzo in Malo is a treasure trove for archaeologists. It was home to a village of about a hundred inhabitants in the Bronze Age, and now the remains of what could be a pagan place of worship dating back to the Iron Age have emerged. And not only that: the wall at the base of the settlement dating back to the Bronze Age presumably served to protect the inhabitants from the flooding of the stream, the same one that last May destroyed the “Ponte delle Galline.” It is a sign that flooding has characterized the area for thousands of years. Finally, traces of structures dating back to the Great War were found on the site, including two trenches, a lookout post, shelters and walkways that were never the scene of fighting but were perhaps built in anticipation of a possible breakthrough by the Austro-Hungarians. A new excavation campaign coordinated by the University of Verona will begin this summer. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The traditional Easter sweets you must try – April 7, VicenzaToday
You will find the traditional colombe and focaccia on the table of Italians during the Easter holidays. The colomba is widespread throughout Italy and was invented in Milan. It is like the panettone, a product of authentic pastry engineering. The focaccia, or fugazza in dialect, is very popular in the Veneto region: different from the colomba because made with brewer’s yeast, it has less butter and is therefore lighter. The origins of this sweet bread are ancient and are lost in legend. It was made with raw materials always present in the home pantry, with variations according to the baker’s imagination. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Here’s where to find the best Colombe for Easter – April 7, VicenzaToday
*Pasticceria Venezia In the heart of Vicenza, is famous for its colomba that faithfully follows the traditional recipe, complete with raisins, candied orange and a covering of marzipan and almonds.
*Olivieri in Arzignano, is an award-winning pastry shop; it offers an Easter colomba with a crunchy glaze of almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts, made without preservatives or additives.
*Pasticceria Filippi in Zanè creates leavened cakes using only top-quality ingredients and offers special Easter variations with black cherries, apricots, peaches and high-quality chocolate.
Then there are the artisanal ones made in small bakeries. Here is a list:
*The bakery in Ponte Pusterla in Vicenza
*Pasticceria Vicentini in Maragnole di Breganze
*Panificio Gemmo in the center of Vicenza
*Panificio Zenere in Caldogno
*Panificio Benetti in Costabissara
*Pasticceria Melotti in Tavernelle
*Dal Colonnello in Colzè in front of the church
*Dai Borgo farm in Villaverla (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Speed camera coming soon to Bolzano Vicentino’s Postumia road – April 2, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Bolzano Vicentino is addressing its persistent road safety issues along State Road 53 Postumia, following a serious accident involving multiple vehicles on March 19. In response to high accident rates and public concern, the local administration, led by Mayor Lorenzo Cracco, initiated the installation process for a speed camera in November 2023. The project, conducted in collaboration with ANAS, the Italian national road agency, has been finalized and the device is set to be operational by the end of April 2025. The initiative aims to combat frequent accidents, including two fatal ones in the past two years. Cracco emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility among drivers, as the speed camera serves as a deterrent rather than a revenue tool, focusing on the prevention of accidents. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
The Bissara Tower still dominates Vicenza after over 800 years – March 30, Il Giornale di Vicenza
From its height of 82 meters, the beloved Bissara Tower is one of the symbols of the city. Built by the powerful Bissari family around 1174 to defend the family palace and later purchased by the Vicenza Municipality; in 1378 it was adorned with the first mechanical clock in the city. The WWII bombing of 18 March 1945 damaged the bell that fell onto the Piazza dei Signori and shattered into a thousand pieces. The history of the city is in its stones: at the top there is a headless statue of the goddess Athena from the Roman era; almost at the top a marble bas-relief of the Lion of San Marco, symbol of the dominion of the Venice Serenissima; at the base a triumphal arch with a monument to the Fallen in war, a marble bearing the bulletin of the victory of WWI, and other plaques that celebrate the most important events of the city. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Longare Bridge, opening postponed to May 17 – March 27, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The new Secula Bridge in Longare will officially reopen on May 17. President of the Province Andrea Nardin explained that among the reasons for the delay there are the three serious floods of last year, which led to safety problems at the construction site. For the mayor of Longare, Matteo Zennaro we are close to the end of an ordeal for citizens and motorists. “I am aware of the many inconveniences caused, but today we are here, and I thank the Vicenza Province for the effort, as well as my fellow citizens for the inconveniences endured, which are enormously less than the risk that we ran for decades, crossing a bridge that had feet of clay,” he said. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Terrace of Palladian Basilica to reopen, bar service pending – March 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The terrace of the Palladian Basilica in Vicenza will reopen on April 4 after its winter break, allowing visitors breathtaking views on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, delays in the bar concession process mean the popular terrace bar service might not be operational immediately. Three vendors have shown interest and are submitting proposals under updated specifications, including new seating arrangements and heritage compliance rules. The five-year concession, valued at €550,000, will go to a bidder with proven experience in managing similar venues. Despite delays, visitors can access the panoramic terrace with their Basilica ticket. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Storks build nests in the Bassano area – March 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza
White storks like the Bassano area. After a couple chose a pylon in Cartigliano as their home, a short distance away another couple has decided to set up home near the San Bassiano Hospital. A double event that the volunteers of LIPU, an environmental association committed to protecting birds, conserving nature and promoting ecological culture, are monitoring with great attention. With their work of securing the nests, they are confident that the hatching of these waders will be successful, thus increasing a population that returned to Italy in the middle of the last century after five centuries of absence. The stork lives on average 25 years. It is a monogamous species and plays a role of fundamental importance in the defense of biodiversity. In Italy the conservation status of the white stork is still inadequate and the population currently numbers 320-330 couples, divided between Calabria, Puglia, Campania and the internal area of the Po Valley. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Ospedaletto overpass will undergo work in May – March 7, Il Giornale di Vicenza
After the collapse in February 2024, work will begin in May to secure the Ospedaletto overpass. The slope will be reinforced with a metal mesh and a reinforced concrete curb will also be built along the roadside. The ground will be covered with an anti-erosion geogrid to prevent further possible detachments and to allow the planting of vegetation. The 250,000-euro project will begin in May, and last approximately 120 days. The construction will be almost entirely underneath the overpass, which is why the closure to traffic should be avoided or limited. The current one-way traffic system regulated by traffic lights will remain for a few more months. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Madonna of Monte Berico embarks on historic five-continent pilgrimage – March 5, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The journey of the Madonna of Monte Berico across five continents begins this March 7, symbolizing faith and hope. The initiative, led by Vicentini nel Mondo, connects Vicenza with its global communities. The statue will visit Argentina; Brazil; Australia; Canada; South Africa; France; Luxembourg; Belgium; Switzerland and Uruguay before returning to Italy in 2027. March 7 marks the anniversary of the Virgin’s first appearance on Monte Berico in 1426. Celebrations kick off with the statue on display at the Loggia del Capitaniato from 9 a.m., followed by a 6 p.m. ceremony, a 7 p.m. community prayer at the Sanctuary, and an evening cultural event featuring faith, music and poetry. The pilgrimage celebrates the enduring spiritual bond with the Sanctuary of Monte Berico. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Financial Times: Palladio’s villas among top destinations for 2025 – January 13, VicenzaToday
The Financial Times has highlighted a tour of Palladio’s villas in Vicenza among its top 50 vacation destinations for 2025. A recommended, exclusive five-night tour features visits to several private villas, including La Rotonda, La Malcontenta and Villa Emo. Other notable Italian destinations include an overnight train from Brussels to Venice, a stay in a Faro in Ischia, and a trip to Sardinia’s Nuraghi. For budget-conscious travelers, the newspaper suggests booking a train from Brussels Midi to Venice, passing through Innsbruck, Ponte Gardena, the Dolomites and Bolzano for less than €150. For those seeking luxury, the “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” offers a lavish circular route from Rome Ostiense to the caves of Matera (Basilicata), and back north to the hill of Pescocostanzo (Abruzzo). (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza’s municipal swimming pool set for €1 million renovation – January 12, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The municipal swimming pool on Viale Ferrarin in Vicenza is set to undergo a major renovation thanks to a €1 million grant from the Sport and Suburbs initiative, supplemented by €150,000 in municipal funding. The facility, which attracts 6,500 visitors weekly, will receive a comprehensive overhaul focused on energy efficiency and aesthetic improvements. Planned upgrades include replacing lighting fixtures with LED technology, installing a new photovoltaic system and using a solar thermal system for hot water production. Other renovations will target the outdoor space, including the locker rooms, bathrooms and bar area. The design process will begin immediately, with construction expected to start by 2026. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
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