*The garrison public affairs office translates information on local cultural events for the convenience of non-Italian speaking community members. The information contained in these slides is originally written by Italian news sources.*
**Information compiled by Laura Kreider/USAG Italy Public Affairs
VICENZA area
*LOCAL EVENTS/SAGRE/FESTIVALS:
Vicenza celebrates Giro d’Italia with four-day cycling festival
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.
Giro d’Italia, changes to traffic and road closures on May 22–23 – May 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza
In view of the Berici stage of the Giro d’Italia, all schools in Vicenza will close at noon on Friday, May 23. Some streets and squares will close the day before including Piazzale della Vittoria; Viale X Giugno (between the intersection with Viale Fusinato and the one with Via Avogadro di Casanova); Via Avogadro di Casanova; Via Natale del Grande (from the intersection with Viale Trissino to the one with Via Asiago) and Via Schio in the Menti Stadium parking area. From 5 a.m. on May 23, it will be the turn of Via Petrarca; Via Boccaccio; Viale Dante; Viale X Giugno, from the intersection with Via Dante to Strada della Commenda; Viale D’Azeglio; Borgo Berga and Viale dello Stadio, from Viale Margherita to Viale Bassano (except residents). More closures as of 2 p.m. The race will arrive from Longare on or around 4 p.m. along Viale Riviera Berica; Borgo Berg; Piazzale Fraccon; Viale Risorgimento Nazionale; Viale Dante; Viale X Giugno, and from there will exit the city to then re-enter Via Breganzola-Viale Sant’Agostino, exit again in the direction of Arcugnano, and make their final return from Strada del Tormeno; Viale Riviera Berica; Borgo Berga; Piazzale Fraccon; Viale Risorgimento Nazionale; Viale Dante, until the uphill arrival at Monte Berico. (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)
Vicenza in Festival: a summer of music and culture in Piazza dei Signori – March 31, VicenzaToday
Vicenza is set to host a vibrant summer festival, “Vicenza in Festival,” kicking off on June 21 with Francesco Renga, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Sanremo win. The festival resumes at the end of August with a diverse lineup in Piazza dei Signori. The schedule includes Nek’s performance on Aug. 30, Cristiano De André’s tribute to his father on Aug. 31, and Paolo Crepet’s thought-provoking show on Sept. 1. The musical journey continues with Massimo Ranieri on Sept. 2, Steve Hackett’s Genesis celebration on Sept. 3, and concludes with Diodato’s contemporary sound on Sept. 4. The festival, a collaboration between the Municipality and Confcommercio Vicenza, aims to transform Piazza dei Signori into a lively summer hub, blending music, entertainment and cultural reflection. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Parco Giardino Sigurtà a few kilometers from Lake Garda
The park, located in Valeggio sul Mincio (Verona) is a few kilometers from Lake Garda. The park extends for 600,000 square meters, a sort of enchanted garden with the large lawn, the wonderful flowering lakes and the Viale delle Rose that from May to September hosts 30,000 re-blooming roses. Entrance with ticket.
The wooden “Radicosaur” that re-emerges from the lake – March 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Seven meters long and five meters high, the “Radicosaur” appeared on the shores of Lake Santa Giustina, in the town of Predaia. It is the new creation of the artist Marco Martalar that joins the 11 sculptures he has already created using branches, roots and bark. All these works attract thousands of tourists. Famous is the Vaia Dragon in Lavarone, destroyed by arson, and then resurrected as the Vaia Dragon Regeneration created with the charred remains. The Radicosaur was created with roots collected from the shores of the lake, a creature that is part feline and part reptilian. It stands out from the other works for yet another stroke of genius by Martalar: thanks to where it is, depending on the seasons and the level of the lake, it will be partially submerged, resurfacing entirely like a magical being from legends. Entirely financed by the Municipality of Predaia, the new installation is part of a redevelopment plan for the Parco delle Plaze. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Antiques, Collectibles & Vintage Market in the center of Vicenza every second Sunday of the month
The antiques market takes place every second Sunday of the month, a treasure hunt in the heart of Vicenza. During the event, called “Non ho l’età” (I’m not that old), the center of Vicenza is transformed into a stage for antiques, collectibles and vintage. Piazza Castello, with its tower bearing witness to the Scaliger domination, hosts a selection of collectible and vintage objects. Piazza Duomo, with its Roman cryptoporticus and archaeological remains, offers lace and Liberty and Art Deco period objects. In Contrà Garibaldi you can find small furniture. Contrà Pescherie Vecchie invites you to discover unusual and rare pieces, while Piazzetta Palladio presents a selection of furniture silver and collectible books. In Contrà del Monte, visitors can find refined collectibles, while Piazza dei Signori offers antiques and 20th-century design. Finally, Piazza delle Erbe is dedicated to food, drinks and relaxation, and Viale Roma offers creative ideas for the home, from restoration to designer furnishings. It’s a journey through history and charm at every turn.
Antiques market in Marostica every first Sunday of the month – March 24, VicenzaToday
Marostica Antiquaria (Antiques, Used and Collectibles Market), the beloved antiques market for collectors or simply curious people, every first Sunday in the beautiful square of Marostica. Among the stalls you can find period furniture; household objects; jewelry; watches; lace; ceramics; glass; vintage clothes and objects, from furniture to furnishing accessories, from ceramics to antique prints, from coins to vintage artefacts from the first and second world wars; books; records; philatelic and numismatic items and other collectibles. An opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful medieval Italian cities, famous for its Chess Game. The event takes place in Piazza degli Scacchi and Viale Mazzini from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
*EXHIBITS/MUSEUMS:
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)
Senegal exhibition in Arzignano – May 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Atipografia Gallery in Arzignano (Piazza Campo Marzio, 26) presents Masquerade, a solo exhibition by Nero/Alessandro Neretti open to the public until Aug. 2. The exhibition presents a group of works born from a residency that the artist carried out at the Espace Médina in Dakar, Senegal, managed by the artist Moussa Traoré. The common thread of the exhibition is identified in the artist’s search for a way to represent Dakar as it really is today, starting from the relationship between contemporaneity and tradition. Furthermore, one of the themes addressed in the works on display is that of post-colonialism and the new colonialism in Senegal by China. The exhibition presents two main groups of works, one composed of wall masks and one of large photographs, enriched by drawings in watercolor, ink and marker, three short videos and a series of sculptures. The exhibit is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7:30 p.m. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Venice’s Palazzo Ducale hosts an exhibition on painted gold – April 30, VeneziaToday
Until Sept. 29, the Palazzo Ducale in Venice hosts the exhibition “Painted Gold. El Greco and Painting between Crete and Venice.” The exhibition chronicles the long and intense artistic dialogue between Crete and Venice. After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, Crete became the main center for the Byzantine painting tradition, hosting more than a hundred workshops specializing in the creation of sacred images intended for popular devotion. Many of these works arrived in Venice and influenced an unprecedented pictorial language, capable of combining Byzantine solemnity with Western expressiveness and naturalism, at first late Gothic and later Renaissance. At the center of the narrative emerges the most fascinating and revolutionary figure of this meeting of cultures: Dominikos Theotokopoulos, known as El Greco (1541-1614). Born in Crete, he trained in post-Byzantine art before moving to Venice around 1567. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Made in Vicenza: new exhibit reveals local Renaissance business innovation – May 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Palladio Museum’s new Sala dell’ Impresa opens with a striking ancient mill wheel, symbolizing Vicenza’s 16th-century industrial innovation. This exhibition, based on University of Cambridge research, reveals how the region’s merchant families transformed local commerce into European-scale enterprise. Through models, maps and artifacts, visitors discover Venice’s 1471 patent system that protected water-power innovations, the impressive silk spinning mills along local rivers and the extensive trade networks that made Vicenza silk famous across Europe. Palladio’s architecture emerges as the physical expression of this business success, with his designs perfectly balancing commercial prosperity with beauty. As Chamber of Commerce President Giorgio Xoccato notes, the exhibition demonstrates how Vicenza’s historic blend of enterprise and architectural excellence continues to shape the region’s identity today. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Free sculpture exhibit at the former Centrale del Latte in Vicenza – April 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza
After a recent restoration, the former Centrale del Latte in Vicenza now hosts a collective sculpture exhibition. Under the name “Scultura Centrale”, there are works of 11 Italian artists who use a wide range of materials and processing techniques, from terracotta to ceramics, from semiprecious stones to metals. An exhibition that will interest even those who are not familiar with contemporary sculpture; the plastic objects are to be enjoyed throughout, in some cases even touched, certainly photographed and shared. The space is impressive: four floors, 11 rooms in which the sculptures are placed at the center, asserting their centrality and authorship. Until June 22, the exhibition, located in Vicenza, Via G. Medici 16a, will be open to visitors with free admission, from Thursday to Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Villa Valmarana ai Nani, secret garden open to the public after 300 years – March 17, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The “Bosco di villa Valmarana ai Nani” is a corner of greenery and peace that has remained hidden from view until now - like the best secret gardens in literature – and has now been recovered. On March 16, it opened to the public for the first time after 300 years. The visit to the green spaces of the villa includes four types of routes. The “lavender” route is dedicated to essences, perfumes and butterflies. The “green” route to plants, the “magenta” to historical and artistic aspects and the “yellow” simple and accessible to everyone. For info and reservations visit: www.villavalmaranainani.com (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Castle of Thiene inaugurates exclusive visits every third Sunday of the month – January 13, VicenzaToday
The historic Thiene Castle is open for special visits every third Sunday of the month from 10:30 a.m. and will allow access to rooms and places not usually open to the public. An architectural gem of the 15th century, the building represents a harmonious fusion between Gothic and Renaissance elements, associating the characteristics of the castle with those of the Venetian palace. The rooms are still perfectly furnished and decorated, and there is an extensive collection of portraits of the three families who have inherited the castle from its origins to the present day, as well as a cycle of frescoes from the mid-16th century and an unusual collection of 17th-century equestrian portraits. Also of considerable interest are the ancient kitchens and the icebox built in 1500, located over four and a half meters below ground level. The Sunday visits must be booked in advance at the site: www.castellodithiene.com (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Palladian Basilica in Vicenza hosts a photo exhibit – April 3, VicenzaToday
Until June 8, the Palladian Basilica in Vicenza will host the photo exhibit “Theatricality. Architecture for Wonder” by Patrizia Mussa, curated by Antonio Calbi. Featuring over 80 hand-colored, large-format images, the exhibit explores the essence of iconic Italian theaters and architectural landmarks. Highlights include theaters like Teatro Olimpico, Teatro alla Scala and La Fenice, alongside with majestic structures like Reggia di Venaria and the Basilica Palladiana. Mussa’s artistic process combines photography with pastel coloring, creating visuals that transcend reality. Visitors can experience this from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with entry included in the monument’s ticket. Additional details are available at www.museicivicivicenza.it. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Leonardo Vitruvian Man and more: a must-see Venice exhibition – March 26, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice will showcase Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “Vitruvian Man” until July 27, as part of an exhibition exploring the representation of the human body. Featuring 96 works, highlights include Michelangelo’s “Libyan Sibyl” (from the Metropolitan Museum, NY), Albrecht Dürer’s nude “Self-Portrait” (making its Italian debut) and Roman artifacts. The exhibit reflects a 16th-century shift in understanding the human body, emphasizing shared humanity rather than perfection. Other notable pieces include Giorgione’s “La Vecchia,” portraying themes of fragility and decadence. A compelling blend of history, art and empathy awaits visitors. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The exhibition of the year: Caravaggio in Rome –March 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Rome is hosting the exhibition “Caravaggio 2025” until July 6 at Palazzo Barberini. Caravaggio, a rebellious genius, was apprentice at 13, orphaned. He painted without an underlying drawing, struck by light. He had cardinals and nobles as clients, while he frequented taverns where he found his friends and models, until the murder that made him a wanderer and then a fugitive in Malta. Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte and the noble Costanza Colonna supported him, but it was not enough to protect him from himself. In between there was a rich production of works, here distributed in four rooms, in chronological order that follows the painter's evolution. In several paintings he bears witness to the ongoing drama: his face is behind the soldier in “The Taking of Christ” from the National Gallery in Dublin; it is behind Saint Ursula, whose restoration reveals another figure in the background; he is one of “The Musicians,” a sensual ensemble from the Metropolitan in New York; and the severed and deformed face of Goliath in the hands of David, from the Borghese Gallery. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Hokusai, the great Japanese master showcased in Treviso – https://www.museicivicitreviso.it
The artistic genius of Katsushika Hokusai, undisputed master of Ukiyo-e, comes to life in an important exhibition hosted at the Civic Museum “Luigi Bailo” in Treviso until Sept. 28. Famous for his extraordinary ability to capture the power and dynamism of water, Hokusai created a dialogue with European culture, overcoming the geographical, but above all political, boundaries of a Japan that at the time was experiencing the historical phase of maximum contrast and isolation towards Europe. Through the exhibition of around 150 works, it will be possible to understand the method with which Hokusai created his most famous works, where there are also subliminal references to the classical models of some Renaissance masters. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. every day except for Wednesdays. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Schio, museum tells the fascinating story of local geology and minerals – March 17, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Geo-mineralogical and Kaolin Museum of Schio represents an important testimony to the geological and mineral wealth of the area. The museum exhibition is divided into two large sections: the geo-mineralogical room, which houses more than 3,000 pieces and the kaolin room, which tells the story of the mining activity that for decades has characterized the area. Bringing young people closer to the world of geology and mineralogy is the real challenge that Alessandro Sella, 44, carries out with passion and dedication. President of the museum for six years, he organizes activities, workshops and educational trips to involve children and adults in the discovery of the rich natural heritage of the area. Today the museum has a thousand visits a year and continues to be a point of reference for scientific dissemination. The museum is in Via Rovereto and is open every Saturday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Montecchio’s Armed Forces Museum sees record growth in visitors – February 26, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Museum of the Armed Forces 1914-45 has reached 4.5 million online visitors, making it Italy’s most-visited military museum on the internet. In-person visits also surged, with 7,311 attendees in 2024—a 26 percent increase from 2023—boosted by the National Alpine Soldiers’ Assembly in Vicenza. The museum hosted 20 cultural events, including exhibitions on historical weaponry and WWII occupation, alongside restoration projects such as the reconstruction of the Fiat 3000 tank. Director Stefano Guderzo highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, including a revamped permanent exhibition and improved facilities. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
Hammershøi, the Danish master on display in Rovigo – February 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Until June 29, Palazzo Roverella in Rovigo hosts the exhibition “Hammershøi and the painters of silence between Northern Europe and Italy” dedicated to the Danish Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916). On display there are 15 of his canvases and another 80 by authors who were inspired by him, many from private collections. Hammershøi is a soloist, impervious to currents, faithful to a slow and intimate style, which also echoes in Edward Hopper. Child prodigy, from a rich family, he made his debut in 1885 and made a living from art. Success rewarded him, despite a small production, which today sets records at auctions. The artist left no writings other than a few letters or sketches, he burned the preparatory drawings, and even for the portraits he chose only his loved ones. The incommunicability that is perceived in front of his works is real, but opens into a world of poetry, of dialogues between light and shadows. The apparent search for the unadorned is a gesture full of messages, a search for calm in interior restlessness. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Exhibition on Japan in the splendid Villa Contarini in Piazzola sul Brenta – www.artika.it
Until June 29, the splendid setting of Villa Contarini in Piazzola sul Brenta will host an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to the timeless charm of traditional Japan. “Japan. Land of geisha and samurai” is a journey of approach to the extraordinary Japanese culture. The exhibition offers a cross-section of the traditional arts of the Far Eastern archipelago through a selection of works dating from the 17th to the 20th century from a private collection and even some kimonos and precious ukiyo-e by Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro. Open every day (except Wednesdays) from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visiting time is approximately one hour. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza mirrors its museum, with the Roi wing reaching back to the 1900s – December 18, Il Giornale di Vicenza
After 20 years, on Dec. 20, the wing of Palazzo Chiericati, has been fixed and expanded thanks to the funds received from the Marquis Giuseppe Roi Foundation. Roi was passionate about beauty and art, and his goal was to complete all the catalogs of Chiericati’s collections. This meticulous classification has led to many loans from the museum to exhibitions around the world, making it an important source for scholars and curators. The new museum’s itinerary will feature notable artworks such as Francesco Cairo’s Herodias and Van Dick’s “The Four Ages of Man.” However, many residents of Vicenza are unaware of the treasures within Chiericati Museum, which is more than just a picture gallery. Its reopening will be an opportunity for everyone to appreciate its new offerings. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)
Montecchio hosts “Besetzung 43/45'” exhibition on WWII occupation, liberation – December 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The exhibition “Besetzung 43/45: From Armistice to Liberation” at the Museum of the Armed Forces 1914-1945 in Montecchio Maggiore delves into the tumultuous military and political events between the Allied landing in Sicily and the Nazi-Fascist capitulation in Italy. The term besetzung, meaning occupation, aptly captures the essence of the 20-month Nazi military occupation during this period. Showcasing valuable pieces from the Italian Historical Museum of War and private collections, the exhibition is open until May 25. It is sponsored by the Region, the Province, and the Municipality of Montecchio, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Liberation and the end of WWII. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
*FOOD & DRINKS:
Italian breakfast, here’s how to recognize a perfect croissant – May 14, VicenzaToday
If you want to eat breakfast like an Italian, you must stop at a local cafè or pastry shop for cappuccino and croissant. A perfect croissant is the shape of a quarter moon and has a golden surface, shiny hazelnut color on the outside and yellow ochre on the inside with a honeycombed dough. It should smell of fresh butter, yeast, caramel and fragrant toasting aromas. The texture should be crumbly on the sides, with the tips ready to come apart, but soft and fluffy in the center. It must not be bitter or oily, and there must be a good balance between the flavor of the butter and the aromas of the wheat and any fillings, such as custard, jam, honey, chocolate or Nutella. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Where to have breakfast in Vicenza – May 14, VicenzaToday
Here are the best pastry shops for breakfast in Vicenza:
Hosen Bakery
In Piazza Matteotti, this newly opened pasticceria offers breakfasts with flaky brioches, authentic pain–au–chocolat and naturally leavened bread.
Pasticceria Giorgio Bolzani
In Corso Padova, it boasts a huge display of leavened products for a delicious breakfast. It will be hard to choose; you will have to come back. Excellent macchiato.
Pasticceria Venezia
One of the historic pastry shops in Vicenza near Piazza delle Erbe, with tables outside in the warm season. It has excellent brioches, always served hot and freshly baked.
Babu Dolce e Salato
In Viale Trieste, a pastry shop with a contemporary style that aims to revisit the tradition of Italian and French pastry making.
Pasticceria Bertuzzo Michela
In Viale Trieste, it serves spectacular croissants with many variations and fillings and delicious cappuccino.
Pasticceria Gambarato
In Corso Padova close to the city center, Gambarato has a great selection of morning leavened products, made with different types of flour (classic, spelt, whole) and fillings alongside gourmet brioches. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
“DaviDelicatezze & Dintorni” near Caserma Ederle is a beloved family-run pastry shop – January 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza
For a few weeks, “DaviDelicatezze & Dintorni” (D.D.&D.) – located in Viale Camisano 62 – has been in the ranking dedicated to electing the king or queen of the “Pastry Shop of the Year” of Vicenza and its province. The pastry shop’s owner, Davide Busato, opened the business in November 2011. Pastry making is a family business. In fact, Davide learned from his father Giuseppe, and now his daughter Chiara, 19, and son Stefano, 24, work with him. “I have always done this job because, even before opening ‘DaviDelicatezze & Dintorni,’ my parents had a pastry shop in Viale della Pace. My uncle runs the Busato business in Torri di Quartesolo,” said Davide Busato. These days, the shop sells many Carnival sweets including crostoli made with fried thin pastry, and the frittelle with cream, zabaglione, Nutella, pistachio, white chocolate and the classic ones with raisins. Also, it is impossible not to notice the apple strudels made with puff pastry, and then the savory options like pizzas, sandwiches and bruschette. “For all the products we use our mother yeast which is now like a son to me,” he said. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Four cheeses from Vicenza will compete at the Italian Cheese Awards – May 1, Il Giornale di Vicenza
This year, the Italian Cheese Awards has reached its 10th edition, increasing its prestige year after year. The jury is made up of experts, sector operators and journalists, and the awards that will be delivered in total at the final event in October are 17. Thirty-four cheeses reached the final, with four Vicenza dairies playing for their chances of success. In the “Fresh” category there is the Asiago DOP Product of the Mountains from Caseificio Pennar, one of the most renowned dairies on the plateau, in the “Aged” category the Asiago DOP Vecchio from Finco di Enego and the Brenta Selezione Oro Latterie Vicentine, while in the category “Aged for over 24 months” we find the Collina Veneta Stravecchio San Rocco from Tezze sul Brenta. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
In Strada Cà Balbi you can find Dolcelisa, the kingdom of cream tarts and sweet creativity – January 24, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Dolcelisa pastry shop is managed by siblings Elisa and Andrea Dalla Paola and employs 12 people, almost all women. It all started with their grandparents who toured the events with their food truck selling sweets and fried dough known as frittella. In 2017, the family decided to open the pastry shop with ice cream and a cafeteria. Dolcelisa is especially known for its themed cakes, in particular the cream tart: a cake in the shape of a number or letters of the alphabet usually made with two layers of shortbread pastry or sponge cake filled with cream and decorated with cream; fruit; chocolates; biscuits; edible flowers; macarons or meringues. The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting with breakfast, passing through the lunch break up to the afternoon and the evening. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Pasticceria Volpato in Costabissara to celebrate 50 years in 2025 – December 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Entering the Volpato pastry shop is like setting foot in a sweet wonderland. The business has been open since 1975, and, in June 2025, they will celebrate 50 years. It is located in Via Venezia 59 in Costabissara, and is currently managed by the third generation of the Volpato family. The pastry shop employs about 15 people, because in addition to internal production, they provide breakfast brioches and pastries to many bars in Vicenza. The grandfather of the current owner started in Viale Trieste where he baked brioches and donuts for pastry shops, then his father opened in a side street of Viale Trento, maintaining only deliveries, and in 1975 they opened the shop in Costabissara. The Volpato pastry shop is open every day, except Monday afternoon. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Some of the pubs in town and province – March 21, VicenzaToday
Here are the places where beer has become almost a religion, a trip for those who dream of a pub in the United Kingdom while staying in Vicenza.
*San Peter’s Pub – in Vicenza; highly recommended for an evening with friends near Ponte degli Angeli. The environment is nice, with English-style wooden furnishings. You can find sandwiches with quality meat, but the club sandwich is their signature dish, even in the vegetarian version.
*Prince of Wales Pub – in Vicenza, is a typical English pub with a wide selection of draft beers, a wide range of whiskies, rums and of course a line of Scottish, Irish, Belgian, dark, red, double malt, IPA, bock and porter beers. The menu offers appetizers, bruschette, club sandwiches, hamburgers, and excellent quality sandwiches.
*Bulldog's Holland Pub – in Altavilla Vicentina; it feels like being in a typical Dutch pub. The menu is varied, and the bruschette very good. It offers both inside and outside seating. Typical atmosphere, wooden tables and benches, soft lighting, good music.
*Tetley’s Pub – Bassano del Grappa, on the banks of the Brenta River, you can see the Ponte degli Alpini, but as soon as you enter it feels like you are in a public house in London. Tetley’s pub stands out for its pure British-style setting, the vast choice of dishes and beers and the excellent service. Try the yummy club sandwich and the country burger. The pub is also known for the infusions and teas available to customers.
*Drunken Duck – in Quinto Vicentino; awarded internationally for its vast selection of craft beers, this pub is a perfect place for lovers of craft beer and tasty food.
*Taverna del Luppolo – Torri di Quartesolo; a nice little place with 16 rotating craft beer taps. Reminiscent of Irish pubs, and the atmosphere is pleasant, warm and welcoming. The menu offers a great selection of food, including the very good bacon burger.
Wild Turkey – Castelgomberto
The pub is in an industrial area, but as soon as you enter it’s like taking a dive into smoky Victorian London. Opened in 1990, it has a large variety of fine beers, each one served in the most appropriate way with absolute attention to the type of glass, temperature and draft. It has an outdoor area, too.
Red Quill – Vicenza
For lovers of Scottish pubs, it offers a vast assortment of beers on tap and a rotating seasonal choice. Another peculiarity: it is divided into two areas, one for non-smokers and the other for smokers.
A tour of these spectacular wine bars in the Vicenza area – November 24, https://2night.it/
Here is a small selection of wine bars in the Vicenza area where you can meet with friends for wine and food.
In the center of Vicenza
Alle Erbe - Cantina del Tormento is one of the most well-known wine shops in the Vicenza city center and, also, one of the best-stocked cellars in the area, especially (but not only) if we are talking about natural wine. Alle Erbe, Piazza delle Erbe, tel. 339 609 6680.
Malombra is a small wine shop on Corso Fogazzaro, which has already conquered everyone with interesting and refined bottles, beautiful decor and cozy atmosphere. Here not only aperitifs but also events, cocktails and beers. Malombra, Corso Antonio Fogazzaro 73, tel. 375 617 0852.
Outside the Center
Il Convivio Enoteca, a winery with a small space dedicated to serving wine. There are many events, tasting evenings or meetings with producers. Very wide and high-quality selection of wines.
Il Convivio Enoteca, Via Zamenhof 30, Vicenza tel. 0444-913 0000.
In Altavilla Vicentina
Enoè in Altavilla Vicentina (complete with parking in front of the entrance) has made research its strong point. Here you can find traditional or natural wines, special spirits that you can’t find elsewhere and a shop that churns out tapas and cicchetti designed for your aperitif or dinner, or even both.
Enoè, Via Chiesetta Vecchia 12, Altavilla Vicentina (Vicenza), tel. 347-882 3430.
In Montegalda
Macrì Wine & food is a very versatile and multifaceted place that you can take into consideration for different things, for example when you need a sommelier at home or a personal chef or when you need someone to deliver your wines directly to your home or if you are looking for great catering. Or, you can come here and have an aperitif with quality labels and good food. Macrì Wine & Food, Via Roi 52, Montegalda (Vicenza), tel. 347-013 2963.
In Bassano del Grappa
In the center of Bassano del Grappa, Enoteca Mariga is a beautiful place with a wide selection and an original and old-time atmosphere. Enoteca Mariga, Via Macello 3, Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza), tel. 0424-505 334.
In Marostica
Enoteca al Fante is a real gem right in Piazza Castello in Marostica. The place is very nice, the cellar (even for natural wines) is well stocked but there is no shortage of cocktails and musical events. Enoteca al Fante, Piazza Castello 11, Marostica (Vicenza), 340-793 3096.
Where to eat the best hamburger in Vicenza – May 27, VicenzaToday
Hamburger Day was celebrated on May 28 all over the world. Here are some places in Vicenza where you can enjoy it:
Bamburger: a modern place for a gourmet burger, is located in Contrà Cantarane 15; Bamburger stands out for its selection of gourmet burgers made with the highest quality ingredients and artisan bread.
Beppe’s Snack: a dive into the Vicenza tradition, in Contrà Porta Santa Lucia, is a true institution in the city. The menu offers a wide choice of burgers, from classics with hand-minced meat to more creative proposals. Wide choice of beers.
JAM Burger&Music: a versatile venue for every occasion, in Via Ludovico Lazzaro Zamenhof 96, is the ideal choice if you are looking for a versatile place that offers a wide choice of burgers for every occasion.
Busa dei Briganti Pub: a pub with a great burger, in Contrà Portici 24, is a must for lovers of the pub atmosphere. The environment is welcoming and informal, perfect for an evening in company or for after dinner with friends. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The best restaurants to enjoy Vicenza-style baccalà
Gambero Rosso has selected the best restaurants in Vicenza where to taste the real Vicenza-style baccalà, or salted codfish.
Il Ceppo - Deli and bistro in Corso Palladio, here you can taste baccalà in all ways.
Angolo Palladio - Located near the Basilica, it offers creamed cod as well as its traditional version with polenta.
Al Pestello - In Contrà Santo Stefano. The menu features a cloud of polenta with creamed cod and green sauce, and the Vicenza-style baccalà cooked at low temperature with polenta.
Osteria Il Cursore - the tavern in Contrà Pozzetto offers creamed baccalà, bigoli with cod sauce, and traditional codfish with polenta.
Remo Villa Cariolato - restaurant in Strada Bertesina located in an elegant late nineteenth-century stately home surrounded by a monumental park. It serves the traditional recipe of Vicenza-style baccalà with polenta.
Da Biasio - Just past Monte Berico, in addition to traditional Vicenza-style baccalà, it offers digressions such as courgette flower with creamed baccalà in a white corn crust, or cod, cauliflower and 'nduja tortelli.
Garibaldi - In the restaurant in Piazza dei Signori led by chef Matteo Grandi, baccalà is the star of the menu.
Ponte delle Bele - The menu of the trattoria near Porta Castello opens with crostini with creamed baccalà, then bigoli with Vicenza-style cod, and Vicenza-style baccalà with polenta. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Discover grappa at some local distilleries
Grappa is a symbol of the Vicenza area. Below are some historic distilleries in the province:
*Schiavo, in Costabissara, Via Giuseppe Mazzini 39
Guided tour of the distillery and the Distillery Museum, with a focus on the discontinuous distillation method. Exclusive tastings combined with sweet and savory dishes. Presentation of the new Cabiria Vodka and the restyling of Pinot Noir Grappa. 80s themed cocktail and food counter, with creations based on Cabiria Vodka and Pinot Noir Grappa. Reserve via email info@schiavograppa.com or via phone 0444–971025.
*Poli, in Schiavon, Via Marconi 46
Visit to the distillery and the Poli Grappa Museum, with a celebration of the art of distillation. Presentation of HERBALIS, a new medicinal bitter based on 15 Mediterranean plants. Botanical Academy: a sensorial training course with Jacopo Poli. Guided tastings of HERBALIS and other Poli products. Reserve via email info@poligrappa.com or phone 0444–665007.
*F.lli Brunello, in Montegalda, Via Roi G. 51
Guided tour of the working distillery. Taste game in the historic room with tasting of the new London Dry Gin “Gran Khan.” Presentation of the renewed company brand and cocktail counter with exclusive drinks based on Brunello products. Reserve via email info@brunello.it or phone 0444–737253.
*Li.Di.A, in Villaga, Strada Provinciale Berico Euganea 30
Welcome aperitif with the renowned grappa-based Bitter. Guided tour of the distillery with detailed explanations of the distillation process. Tasting of grappa and liqueurs, combined with local 0-km products, such as artisanal cheeses and desserts. Reserve via email grappa.e@gmail.com or phone 0444–885074.
*PLACES TO VISIT:
Day trips in the Veneto, here are some ideas
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.
The Veneto’s most beautiful villages to visit
Veneto is a land full of small treasures to visit. Here is a non-comprehensive list of small enchanted places.
Marostica – The town is enclosed within the ancient walls of its castles and still preserves the magic of past eras. The city wall starts from Colle Pausolino and descends to the historic center, connecting the Upper Castle to the Lower Castle. The famous chess game is a medieval re-enactment that is revived every two years in the famous Piazza degli Scacchi, in front of the Lower Castle, and which takes inspiration from a legend.
Malcesine – It is a village nestled on the eastern bank of Garda, at the foot of Monte Baldo. The small village has medieval origins, with characteristic cobbled streets and squares, tiny and colorful shops, ancient houses, stone walls, courtyards and picturesque views. Malcesine has a modern cable car with rotating cabins that allow a 360° view which transfers visitors from the lake shore to the 1760 meters of Monte Baldo.
Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto – Here you can taste the delicious local tortellini. Visit the Sigurtà Garden Park where you can immerse in nature and be enchanted by the great variety of flowers and plants. A visit to the small Borghetto on the banks of the Mincio River is a must. One of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, it has been preserved intact over the centuries, with the water mills of the past.
Soave – Fascinating medieval village dominated by a castle from the 10th century. A land of hills, slopes, green expanses of vineyards that immediately captivates those who visit it. There are numerous cellars where you can enjoy tastings and routes that wind through brightly colored nature and paths dedicated to tourists for bike and horseback excursions.
Asolo – Due to its enchanting panoramic position among the hills, Asolo has always attracted artists and writers from all over Europe. The symbol of Asolo is the Rocca which dominates the landscape from the summit of Monte Ricco, offering a spectacular view. From here you can see the historic center of the city.
Portobuffolè – A medieval jewel a few kilometers from Treviso. The streets, squares and corners return to their medieval splendor once every two years on the occasion of the historical re-enactment “Portobuffolè, XIII Century” (the last Saturday in June,) an evocative celebration with over three hundred people in period costume.
*TRANSPORTATION:
San Bortolo, there is a direct bus from Park Cricoli to the hospital – March 9, Il Giornale di Vicenza
For those who need to go to the hospital and leave their car in the parking lot on Via Cricoli, there is now bus line 30 that goes directly to the hospital. From Monday to Friday, it runs every 12 minutes from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., every 24 minutes until 3:45 p.m., and then every 12 minutes until 8:40 p.m. On Saturdays, it runs every 20 minutes following the same timetable. The cost of a ticket on the same day with validity of 90+90 minutes is €2.90 and car parking is free from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are also cumulative tickets for up to four people in the same car, excluding the driver, which can be purchased at the automatic cashiers and cost €1.90, and monthly passes for €15.60. The rate for night parking (from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.) is €1.20. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Trains, three-week stoppage in August on the Verona-Vicenza line – February 21, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Twenty-one days without trains on the Verona-Vicenza line in August, just like last year, with buses to replace the railway traffic, with inevitable delays and discomfort for passengers. The stop of trains will be from Aug. 5 to 25. More details will follow but be sure to plan ahead. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Vicenza has its first electric buses – January 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Vicenza has its first six electric vehicles, destined for Centrobus line 10: a turning point that will reduce the emission of pollutants, for now in the heart of the city. Here are the details of the new vehicles: 8.3 meters long, they can accommodate up to 44 passengers, plus the driver. Equipped with lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 340 kW, they have a range of approximately 300 kilometers. And this is just the beginning. In March, four more buses will arrive, capable of accommodating up to 85 passengers. According to Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai, this “is a first step towards increasing the appeal of local public transport. The real environmental revolution in Vicenza will arrive in about a couple of years with the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), with which we will be able to connect the east-west axis of the city with an electric vehicle.” (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Tap&Tap extended to all regional train lines in the Veneto
Since Apr. 12, Trenitalia’s Tap&Tap system has been 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.
On-call evening bus, more stops from Monte Berico to Bertesina
The SVT Vicenza transport company has introduced the on-call evening service, buses on demand after 8:30 p.m. The first innovation concerns a better coverage of the territory, thanks to the addition of 81 new stops in addition to the 225 already foreseen previously, for a total of 306 points, which allow the urban area to be covered in a more widespread way. The second innovation concerns the booking rides process, the new “SVT ChiamaBus” (Call the Bus) app, active since March 11 and available for both Android and iOS. It allows you to book the evening ride more easily and intuitively, with a few simple steps, and it also allows you to be informed in real time about the position of the bus, reporting the actual waiting times. The service will be active every day except May 1 (Italian Labor Day), Dec. 25 and 31, Sunday to Friday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Venice to double down on tourist tax for 2025 – October 25, Il Giornale di Vicenza
In a bid to combat overtourism, Venice will reintroduce an entrance fee in 2025. The tax will be enforced on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, totaling 54 days between April and July. The fee will apply during peak hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. While residents of the Veneto region [including US personnel affiliated with the Vicenza Military Community] will continue to be exempt from the fee, they will still need to book their visits in advance. For those coming from outside the region, there will be a two-tier pricing system: a €5 fee for reservations made at least four days in advance and a €10 fee for last-minute reservations. The initial pilot project, conducted between April and July 2024, proved successful in managing the flow of visitors and reducing the number of day-trippers. Venice’s approach to regulating tourism is being closely watched by other cities around the world, including the Canary Islands in Spain and Kyoto, Japan. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)
*HISTORY:
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)
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)
Roman era tombs emerge from the work in Contrà Porta Nova – September 11, Il Giornale di Vicenza
During the work carried out by Viacqua to strengthen the water network, a skeleton dating back to the first or second century AD was found near Porta Nova. But there’s more: last week the workers came across several very particular objects including glass balsam jars; ceramic cups; urns containing bones destroyed by fire and a coin probably dating back to the era of Antoninus Pius, the Roman emperor who reigned from 138 to 161. This discovery led to the immediate suspension of Viacqua’s work and the intervention of the team of archaeologists from the Nea Archeologia Cooperativa. “This is an extraordinary discovery,” said Dr. Giulia Pelucchini, “since it is the first time that a burial area from the Roman era has been identified in this part of the city.” The recovery operations will take a few more days, weather permitting. This will lead to a consequent extension of the Viacqua construction site. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
The Appian Way becomes a World Heritage Site, Italy at the top of the list with 60 sites – August 6, Il Giornale di Vicenza
The Appian Way has become a UNESCO world heritage site, and with this recognition Italy obtains the 60th World Heritage site, confirming to be the first in the world as a global cultural and historical treasure chest. The Appia (also called Regina Viarum, or queen of the roads) was the first of the great connecting roads built by Rome with new construction techniques, innovative and revolutionary for the time. Construction began by will of censor Appius Claudius Caecus in 312 BC to connect Rome to Capua, then extended to Benevento and Taranto, and finally all the way to Brindisi. It was initially conceived for military needs but became the main communication and trade network in southern Italy. It is a “public road,” without toll taxes, equipped with milestones to indicate the distance to travelers, as well as postal stations where to find accommodations and new horses. It was later widened and modernized by order of Emperor Trajan. After more than 2,300 years of history, the Appian Way has the UNESCO brand. (Summary by Angela Balbo)
Montecchio Maggiore, ancient remains under the soccer field and the Sant’ Antonio Theatre – March 7, Il Giornale di Vicenza
Montecchio Maggiore, the city in the shadow of two castles was born well before the two manors were built. Some archaeological sites had already been carried out a few years ago by the Superintendence, and in the state catalogue, updated to 2017, it is mentioned: “The excavation area led to the identification of pre-Roman, Roman and Lombard.” Recently, the city council exposed that under the Sant’ Antonio Theatre and the San Vitale soccer field there are a small Roman village and Lombard huts. The novelty is also documented in the general catalog of cultural heritage drawn up by the Superintendency. Archaeological investigations are required by law on both sites according to Montecchio Maggiore Mayor Gianfranco Trapula. These investigations, as highlighted by the mayor, are important since there are two projects to renovate the theater and enlarge the sports field. Preventive investigations could reveal significant surprises in that area, between Via Pieve, Cà Rotte and Sardegna, where the first inhabited nucleus of Montecchio arose thousands of years ago. “We all know that the ancient history of the city starts from there, where there was the ancient “pagus” that is a settlement from the Roman era, well documented by various findings,” said Claudio Beschin, majority councilor and researcher. “Nearby is the Parish Church, dating back to before the year 1000, and we know that floors and tombstones, and some extraordinary documentation from the Lombard era has emerged there.” For this reason, the municipality has decided to bring forward the studies in the area, so that the analysis can be completed before proceeding with the work. The archaeological “triangle” of the three streets is certainly not new to archaeological discoveries. In the 1990s, 15 Lombard tombs were brought to light which allowed researchers to reconstruct the eating habits, clothes and which weapons and belt buckles were used by this people. (Summary by Laura Kreider)
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