*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 – May 20, 2025
Robberies, thefts and break-ins: 370 calls to the police every day in Vicenza – May 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Yesterday, the prefect and the commanders of the police forces provided data relating to the activity carried out against crime since the beginning of the year.
Police: From Jan. 1 to today, the police headquarters received 17,741 calls, which resulted in 6,034 checks: 9,481 individuals were identified and 3,000 vehicles checked. Added to this are the extraordinary interventions of the Crime Prevention Department which led to the identification of another 1,149 people and the check of 603 vehicles, in addition to commercial establishments.
Carabinieri: From Jan. 1 to May 1, Carabinieri handled 34,058 calls, registered 441 reports for thefts and 14 robberies. In total, 180 individuals were reported at large and 27 were arrested. The Carabinieri also averaged seven patrols of the city per day.
Finance Police: The provincial commander of the Finance Police reported that their operations room has received an average of 7-8 daily activations for tax violations and other types of interventions. As for the entire provincial area, the Finance Police deployed an average of five patrols per day on the territory. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
High school students read aloud in hospital to make patients feel less alone – May 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza
In a hospital, especially in cases of long-term hospitalization, days can be long and boring. Since last year, a project dedicated to reading aloud in the geriatrics, pediatrics, pediatric surgery and eating disorders departments involving students from Quadri High School aims to change that. The students offer a moment of relief and connection, but also a strong therapeutic value, stimulating the emotional and cognitive well-being of patients. Before starting, they take a course held by an actress who teaches them the techniques of reading aloud, and by the manager of the city’s library, who helps them choose the books. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza ready to welcome the Giro, big screen and activities at Campo Marzo – May 19, VicenzaToday
Vicenza is ready to embrace the many fans expected from all over Italy and the rest of the world for the Giro d’Italia. To welcome them, there will be a large Stage Village at Campo Marzo, open from Thursday 22 (6-11 pm), Friday 23 (9 am-11 pm), Saturday 24 (9 am-11 pm) and Sunday 25 (9 am-3 pm.) The Village will host a big screen, an activity area promoted by Decathlon, food and wine stands, areas dedicated to the associations and partners of the stage, the Confartigianato bar, a merchandising area, and a rich program of events with races, sports activities, talks and music every evening. On Sunday morning sport activities for the little ones with athletes on the Multisport Field. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Mont Blanc Tunnel closes for 15 weeks starting Sept. 1 – May 19, Tgcom
From Sept. 1 to Dec. 12, 2025, the Mont Blanc tunnel will be completely closed to traffic to allow for the construction of the second test site for the restoration of the vault on two sections, for a total of 254 meters. “The period was identified together with the prefectures of the Aosta Valley and Haute-Savoie, considering fall as the period with the least impact on tourism, in particular for light vehicles, the primary users of the tunnel (75 percent of traffic in 2024) and on the economy between the two regions,” reads a note from Geie-Tmb. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Marostica celebrates its cherries: exhibition, market and tastings on Sunday – May 19, VicenzaToday
The 81st Marostica IGP Cherry Exhibition and Market returns on Sunday, May 25, to celebrate the area’s fruit of excellence. According to tradition, in 1454 the lord of the Marostica castle Taddeo Parisio ordered the planting of cherry trees to celebrate his daughter’s wedding, following the famous Chess Game that avoided a war. It will be an entire day dedicated to the direct sale of cherries and other typical products; local crafts; workshops; walks; music and shows. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Life in Vicenza is increasingly expensive, almost 500 euros more than a year ago – May 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza
In Vicenza, the cost of living has risen more than the national average, with an annual increase for an average family equal to 496 euros. As for food products and non-alcoholic beverages, prices have increased by 0.6 percent monthly and by 3.2 percent on an annual basis. The prices of vegetables and coffee, tea and cocoa have increased the most: both have recorded a +1.4 percent monthly, while the former have grown by 5.2 percent compared to 2024 and the latter by 15.4 percent. For transport, the monthly variation was +1 percent and the annual variation was -0.6 percent. Finally, considering individual products, it can be noted that food prices increased by 0.5 percent monthly and by 2.9 percent on an annual basis, while those of services increased by 0.8 percent and 3.2 percent. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The Giro d’Italia week in Vicenza begins Friday – May 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza
A few more days and the Giro d’Italia will arrive in the Vicenza area marking a great return after the 2015 passage. On Friday, May 23, the 13th stage (180 kilometers, from Rovigo to Vicenza) of the race will end in Monte Berico, with the last kilometers that will pass through Noventa; Pojana; Asigliano; Lonigo; Alonte; Orgiano; Val Liona; Villaga; Barbarano Mossano; Nanto; Castegnero; Longare and Arcugnano. After the Treviso-Nova Gorica/Gorizia scheduled for May 24, on Sunday the race will return with the Fiume Veneto-Asiago stage. From May 22 to 25, a stage village will be set up in Campo Marzo to allow those who reach the city in the next few days to immediately experience the atmosphere of the race through events, food and wine stands and spaces dedicated to sponsors, athletes and enthusiasts. On Sunday, May 25, Asiago will host the arrival of one of the most anticipated stages of the 108th edition of the Giro: 214 kilometers of racing and a total difference in altitude of 3,900 meters. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Good and bad changes at the train station: new waiting rooms, but the parking lot closes – May 17, Il Giornale di Vicenza
From May 31, the parking lot in Viale Milano will no longer be available. The two car parks “P1” (290 spaces) and “P2” (167), managed by Fs Park, will be closed for the high-speed and high-capacity train construction site. While the station prepares for this revolution, it is also becoming more attractive with new waiting areas boasting images of the city in the background and a view of the external square. One has already set up a counter with power outlets as a support point for studying and working. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
From Caltrano and Calvene to Alpine pastures plateau – May 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Several trails from Caltrano and Calvene lead to Alpine pastures on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni. They are very popular in spring and summer for hiking, biking, horseback riding and mushroom picking. There are two itineraries to discover them, well described by Liverio Carollo’s hiking guide: one from Caltrano to Sunio and Foraoro, and another from Calvene to Serona and Fondi. Caltrano trail starts from Tezze, winding through a hornbeam forest and reaching an altitude of 900 meters before emerging into Grande Valley. For Foraoro Alpine pasture, the trail diverges towards living rock paths and hornbeam forests, eventually intersecting with the path from San Donato. These routes offer a picturesque and rewarding journey to the Alpine pastures above Caltrano and Calvene. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)
Recent Italian News highlights
Italy-America Friendship Festival in Vicenza will celebrate cultural and historic ties – May 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Italy-America Friendship Festival in Vicenza will celebrate 70 years of U.S. military presence in the city with around 20 events, including cultural, historical and artistic activities from Sept. 12–14, preceded by pre-festival events starting May 16. Organized by the Municipality of Vicenza in partnership with NIAF, the U.S. Consulate in Italy and Vicentini nel Mondo, the festival will explore the historic and cultural ties between Italy and the United States, covering topics such as Italian emigration to America; Palladian architecture’s influence on U.S. design; cinema; music; cuisine and diplomacy. Highlights include a “Made in America” dance performance, book presentations, film screenings and expert discussions. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Asiago turns pink as the altopiano gears up for the Giro d’Italia – May 15, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Asiago is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to welcome the 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia. The towns across the Altopiano are adorned in pink, celebrating the arrival of the iconic cycling race. A week of festivities leading up to Sunday, May 25, will feature events for all ages, including children’s chalk drawings in the historic center, cycling-themed film screenings, safety workshops, meetings with past Giro champions and live music. The festivities kick off on Tuesday, May 20, with a creative workshop for children, followed by cycling-themed film screenings on Wednesday. Friday will feature a road safety bike trail for kids, alongside a special event with Giro d’Italia winner Giovanni Battaglin. Saturday starts with an early morning gravel ride, the opening of the “Villaggio Asiago Tappa dell’Altopiano 2025,” and an evening of live music and local celebrations throughout the town. The grand finale on May 25 will see the arrival of the race, with Asiago offering a vibrant setting filled with energy and community spirit. Neighboring towns are also embracing the excitement—Enego will host a lively evening of music and entertainment, while Gallio will showcase 500 vintage bicycles and offer a big-screen viewing of the race. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
New Secula Bridge in Longare will be inaugurated on May 17 – May 14, VicenzaToday
Good news for commuters and residents of the area: the new Secula Bridge will be inaugurated on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. It is one of the most impressive infrastructures recently built by the Province of Vicenza with an investment of 5.4 million euros. Unlike the old three-span bridge, the new structure has a single span, a design choice that solves the problem of flood flow in an area classified as “floodplain or water stagnation area.” Alongside the new bridge there is a two-lane cycle/pedestrian path that represents the natural continuation of the existing route starting from the Longare roundabout. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Coffee, community and greenery: Querini Park’s revamp begins – May 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Querini Park’s old greenhouses are getting a fresh start. The social cooperative Agendo has secured a three-year concession to turn them into an inclusive botanical café, set to open in September. The café will offer employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, just like Agendo’s other ventures. To make it happen, they’ve launched a fundraiser to cover furnishings, coffee machines and renovations—an €80,000 project. The café will be in the cold greenhouse, serving food and drinks from Agendo’s workshops, while the hot greenhouse will become a Sensory Garden and design exhibition space. There’s also a Community Room for events and cultural activities. The whole project aims to blend social inclusion with the beauty of a European-style park. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza Jazz 2025, 10 days of jazz in the city’s landmarks – May 13, VicenzaToday
The 29th edition of New Conversations – Vicenza Jazz will transform Vicenza into a widespread stage until May 25, hosting some of the biggest names in international jazz and emerging talents. The festival will take place in unique locations such as the Teatro Olimpico; Teatro Comunale; Basilica Palladiana; Palazzo Chiericati and the Cimitero Maggiore for the midnight concert. There will also be events in cafés, bookshops, cinemas and shops, which will host the performance of emerging artists, giving the city a vibrant atmosphere. The entire program is visible on the website https://www.vicenzajazz.org/ (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Bandiere Blu 2025 award the best beaches in the Veneto – May 13, VicenzaToday
Like every year, the warm season opens with the publication of the new Bandiere Blu, (Blue Flags) the international recognition for the beach resorts with the cleanest sea and the best tourist services. The Veneto received nine awards, a result that underlines the region’s attention to the environment, sustainability and hospitality.
Province of Venice:
Bibione (San Michele al Tagliamento)
Caorle, with the beaches of Porto Santa Margherita, Ponente, Levante, Duna Verde and Brussa
Eraclea Mare (Eraclea)
Jesolo Lido and Levante (Jesolo)
Lido di Cavallino (Cavallino Treporti)
Lido di Venezia and Alberoni (Venice)
Sottomarina and Le Dune (Chioggia)
Province of Rovigo:
Rosolina Mare, Albarella Capo Nord and Albarella Centro Sportivo (Rosolina)
Conchiglie, Boccasette and Barricata (Porto Tolle) (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza workers rank first in the region for days spent at work a year – May 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza
According to the report by the Association of Artisans and Small Businesses of Mestre, the workers and employees who in 2023 collected the highest number of days spent at work in the Veneto are those from Vicenza with 263.5 days. At the national level, the Vicenza workers rank third preceded only by workers from the province of Lecco (264.9 days spent at work) and those from the province of Biella (264.3). The workers least present in the office or factory during 2023 were those from the province of Vibo Valentia (193.3 days) of Nuoro (205.2 days) and Rimini (212.5 days). (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Ospedaletto bridge repairs begin: month-long closure for cars – May 8, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Construction begins May 9 on the Ospedaletto road overpass, one year after its embankment collapsed during severe weather. Initially, the bridge will close to vehicles for six weeks, remaining open only to pedestrians and cyclists. The total project should last approximately 120 days. The €250,000 cost in municipal funds, will reinforce the slope with wire mesh and galvanized nails. While regional authorities declined to support the repairs, Public Works Councilor Cristiano Spiller maintains these temporary disruptions are essential for public safety. Vehicle traffic will resume with alternating one-way patterns once work moves below the bridge. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Vicenza road accidents rise 25 percent, mayor promises stricter controls – May 6, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Traffic accidents in Vicenza continue to rise, reaching 718 incidents in 2024—up from 579 in 2021—with 461 injuries and three fatalities. The first quarter of 2025 shows a concerning 7.3 percent increase over the same period last year, with 192 accidents already recorded. According to police data presented by Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai and local police commander Massimo Parolin, front-side collisions account for 35.8 percent of accidents, with cars involved in 71.4 percent of cases. Cell phone use while driving and alcohol consumption continue to be the leading factors behind traffic accidents. The city’s most dangerous roads are Viale della Pace, Riviera Berica, Viale Verona and San Lazzaro. In response, authorities are implementing “Safe Roads” operation near schools and introducing Topcrash, a 3D surveying tool for faster accident response and better documentation. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Mountain rescue, costs for interventions could be increased – May 3, Il Giornale di Vicenza
There were eight mountain rescue interventions in Veneto on May 1 alone. Sometimes people call for help because they are faced with technical difficulties, but for the vast majority the calls arrive because hikers are not equipped for the route, not informed about the current situation of the path or about the weather forecast. And the Veneto Region is considering increasing the rescue bill for these people, a bill that is already high for those who call for help without having actually suffered an injury or being in conditions of real danger: €25 for each minute of flight of rescue helicopter (maximum €500) between €200–500 for the rescue teams on the ground, up to a maximum of 7,500 euros to be paid by those who have called for completely unmotivated or unjustified reasons. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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