Out & About

*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: (current as of April 21, 2026)

Barbarano and Mossano showcase local olive oil with special festival April 26 – April 13, VicenzaToday

The Olivolà festival will take place on April 26, bringing a full day of food, culture and outdoor activities to Barbarano and Mossano. Visitors can explore markets featuring local olive oil, farm products and crafts, along with guided walks through vineyards and olive groves. Food stands, Pro Loco lunches and tastings line the route, accompanied by live music and activities for all ages. Olympic champion Davide Ghiotto will appear during school award ceremonies, highlighting a celebration of Colli Berici’s landscape and traditions. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Cittadella hosts Formaggio in Villa and Italian Cheese Awards – April 16, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Artisanal cheesemakers gather in Cittadella this weekend for Formaggio in Villa, which also hosts the Italian Cheese Awards final featuring 100 public‑voted varieties. The medieval walls become a showcase of Italy’s dairy heritage, where visitors can explore pairings with wine, spirits and cocktails, while sampling salumi, craft beers and regional specialties. The public plays a central role by tasting and voting for the semifinalist cheeses, celebrating both tradition and innovation in Italian cheesemaking. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Venice activated 60‑day access fee until July 26

On April 3, Venice activated its Access Contribution fee, which will be ongoing until July 26, 2026, covering 60 designated peak‑traffic days. During this period, day visitors entering the historic city center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. must pay €5 with early booking or €10 for late booking. The measure is intended to reduce congestion and protect the city’s historic core. The fee applies only to the main island city and excludes all lagoon islands, including Murano, Burano, Lido and Pellestrina. Travelers transiting through major entry points without entering the center remain exempt. Venice and Veneto residents, students, people with disabilities and military personnel are not required to pay or register. [Members of the Vicenza Military Community are also exempt and required to show valid ID card at checkpoints]. For more info, visit the Venice access portal at https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Montecchio Maggiore, Villa Cordellina hosts free concerts through April – March 9, VicenzaToday

The city of Montecchio Maggiore has announced its Spring Concerts program at Villa Cordellina, organized with the Vicenza “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory and the Province of Vicenza. The last performance will be April 29 with the Pedrollo Junior Orchestra. The concert start at 8:45 p.m. at the Tiepolo Hall. Admission is free with required reservation by email at cultura@comune.montecchio-maggiore.vi.it (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Venice, secret convent garden reopens to the public – March 12, Il Giornale di Vicenza

A historic garden hidden for centuries inside the Convent of the Santissimo Redentore has opened on Venice’s Giudecca Island. The one‑hectare garden features a 400‑meter pergola of vines, roses and wisteria, a water‑lily pool and paths lined with herbs, cypress, olive trees and orchards. Visitors can also enjoy a café overlooking the lagoon. The garden is open Thursday to Saturday, with extended days from May to October. Entry is €12 with free access for young children and visitors with disabilities. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

John Legend to headline Marostica Summer Festival – January 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza

John Legend will headline the Marostica Summer Festival on July 6 in Piazza Castello, bringing his “A Night of Songs & Stories” tour to the 12th edition of the event. The pop‑soul star joins fellow international guest David Byrne in a lineup that also features Il Volo, Negramaro, Claudio Baglioni, Europe and others. Legend, one of the few artists to achieve EGOT status, will perform stripped‑down versions of his biggest hits alongside personal stories from his two‑decade career. The singer continues touring after releasing the 20th‑anniversary edition of Get Lifted. Tickets start at €60 and are available at ticketone.it starting Jan. 24. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

A journey into Vicenza’s Roman past under Piazza Duomo – February 26, Il Giornale di Vicenza

A few steps below Piazza Duomo, Vicenza’s underground world reveals Roman roads, mosaics and frescoes beneath the cathedral and inside the nearby cryptoporticus. The archaeological area spans 750 square meters, the largest of its kind in the Veneto, with layers from a Roman domus to early Christian and medieval structures. A Roman road with trachyte paving stones and a milestone still stands at the entrance. Across the square, the first‑century A.D. vaulted, three‑armed corridor once used for walking and socializing, still with traces of Pompeian‑style frescoes and mosaic floors sit 6.30 meters underground. Open April 1–Oct. 31 (Monday–Friday 2–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–6 p.m.). Admission by donation; guided tours €10. More at museo.diocesi.vicenza.it (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Lonigo, climb into history as medieval tower opens to visitors – January 26, VicenzaToday

Lonigo’s medieval Torrione, the last standing tower of the town’s ancient castle, is open for guided visits every Saturday at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. The 34‑meter structure rewards those who tackle its 150 steps with sweeping views of the city and the Berici Hills. Entry costs €2, with free admission for children under 12. Visitors can join the tour by checking in at the IAT office in Piazza Garibaldi. Dating back to at least 976, the tower showcases layered construction styles and remains the most striking remnant of a fortress largely dismantled in the 19th century. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Museums open on Blue Monday to lift spirits through art – January 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Vicenza is marking “Blue Monday” Jan. 19 with an unusual gesture: all seven civic museums, normally closed on Mondays, are open to offer culture as a form of comfort and well‑being. The initiative, introduced through a recent council resolution, invites residents to spend the day among exhibitions at the Basilica Palladiana; Palazzo Chiericati; Santa Corona; Palazzo Thiene; the Naturalistic Archaeological Museum; the Museum of the Risorgimento and Resistance and the Olympic Theatre. The city aims to transform a traditionally gloomy day into an opportunity for beauty, reflection and emotional relief. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Verona, new booking rules for Juliet’s House begin April 1 – March 28, www.finestresullarte.it

Starting April 1, Verona will introduce a new reservation-only system for visiting Juliet’s Courtyard and House. Access will be limited to timed entries, with separate tickets for the courtyard—home to the famous balcony and Juliet statue—and for the full tour including the medieval tower interiors. Visitors will enter from Piazzetta Navona and follow a route through Teatro Nuovo, enhanced with immersive Shakespeare-themed visuals. Tickets cost €5 for the courtyard route and €12 for full access. Hours run Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., and Monday afternoons. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Rome charges tourists €2 for Trevi Fountain access

Since Feb. 2, Rome introduced a €2 ticket for tourists who want to enter the area directly in front of the Trevi Fountain’s basin, as part of a new policy covering six previously free municipal sites, including Villa di Massenzio; the Napoleonic Museum; the Carlo Baracco Museum; the Pilotti Museum and the Canonica Museum. The rest of the Trevi Fountain square will remain free to access. The fee applies only to tourists. All municipal museums and monumental sites will stay free for Rome and metropolitan-area residents, people with disabilities and their companions, children under six, and licensed tour guides. Paid hours run Monday–Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Outside these times, viewing remains free. The measure follows a yearlong trial aimed at reducing overcrowding and protecting the monument.

Marian Jubilee to begin in February at Monte Berico – December 14, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The Marian Jubilee Year marking the 600th anniversary of the apparitions at Monte Berico opened Feb. 8 with a Mass led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. The jubilee will run 13 months, closing March 7, 2027, with more than 100 events already scheduled. Organizers hope the Pope may visit Vicenza, recalling John Paul II’s 1991 stop at Monte Berico and other city sites. Monte Berico will host an international Marian conference Feb. 6-8, concerts, art exhibits and cultural programs. Special jubilees will highlight groups including the sick, families, migrants, police and artists. Tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Antiques, Collectibles & Vintage Market in the center of Vicenza every second Sunday of the month

VICENZA – 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

MAROSTICA – 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.

Marostica chess game opens casting for 2026 edition – February 19, VicenzaToday

Casting has opened for the 2026 Marostica Human Chess Game, one of the world’s most renowned historical spectacles. The Pro Marostica Association is seeking participants of all ages for the Sept. 4–5 and 11–12 performances, which for the first time will span two weekends. Selection days in late March will assign roles ranging from Ladies and Attendants to Soldiers, Pages, Performers and other characters that make up the event’s 650‑member cast. Auditions will be held at the Pro Marostica headquarters, with required release forms available on the event website. Participation is not guaranteed, as casting depends on artistic needs. More information: www.marosticascacchi.it (Summary by Angela Balbo)

*EXHIBITS/MUSEUMS:

Vicenza honors visionary industrialist Olivetti with citywide exhibition – March 23, VicenzaToday

Vicenza will host the citywide exhibition “Adriano Olivetti and Beauty” through May 10, celebrating the Italian industrialist known for uniting technology, design and community welfare. Some of his iconic products such as the typewriters Lettera 22 and Programma 101 will be displayed across historic venues and repurposed storefronts. Key sites include the Anti Odeo of the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Cordellina, Palazzo Trissino and an interactive space in Galleria Corso Palladio. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

“The Sphere Is,” Diego Chilò’s glass planets at Palazzo Thiene – March 30, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Diego Chilò’s exhibition “La sfera sta,” hosted in Palazzo Thiene’s loggia until May 17, showcases a decade‑long exploration of glass through 22 unique “planet” spheres. The Thiene‑born designer blends art, craftsmanship, chemistry and engineering, inserting raw copper fragments into blown glass to create astral, botanical,and experimental forms. Former artistic director at Venini and Moretti, Chilò embraces technical challenges and instinctive creation. The show, supported by local companies and the Civic Museums, reflects his mastery of materials and his pursuit of beauty through experimentation and precision. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Fifty years of icons: Guido Harari takes over the Basilica Palladiana – March 24, VicenzaToday

Guido Harari’s landmark exhibition, “Incontri. 50 Years of Photographs and Stories,” will be at the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza until July 26. The show traces Harari’s five‑decade career with more than 300 images, films, installations and rare memorabilia, capturing cultural giants from David Bowie and Lou Reed to Ennio Morricone and Kate Bush. A special feature, the “Caverna Magica,” offers visitors the chance to book a portrait session in a dedicated studio space. Open Tuesday to Sunday, tickets from €10.

Venice, exhibit at Doge’s Palace traces Etruscan–Veneti ties – March 6, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Running through Sept. 29, a new exhibition at the Venice Doge’s Palace explores the cultural exchange between the ancient Etruscans and Veneti. Featuring more than 700 artifacts, the show centers on water as a unifying force across ports, sanctuaries and thermal sites. Highlights include a 350 B.C. terracotta head of Leucothea from Pyrgi and bronze votives from the recent San Casciano dei Bagni excavations. The exhibition follows a south‑to‑north route, revealing shared rituals, trade networks and overlapping deities. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Montecchio’s museum of the Armed Forces hits 30 million online views – March 15, 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. Its social media presence surged, surpassing 90,000 followers and generating tens of millions of views. In 2025, nearly 9,000 people visited the Montecchio site, a 54 percent increase, with strong growth from outside the province and abroad. Early 2026 numbers are up 61 percent. The museum is expanding exhibitions, renovating key rooms and collaborating nationally, confirming a steady rise in public interest and appreciation. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Zandomeneghi and Degas meet again in Rovigo – January 19, www.sgaialand.com

A major exhibition at Rovigo’s Palazzo Roverella traces the lifelong artistic dialogue between Federico Zandomeneghi and Edgar Degas. Running through June 28, the show brings together rare loans from international museums to explore how the Venetian painter and the leading French Impressionist shaped each other’s work. The exhibition follows their paths from early influences in Florence to the vibrant Parisian scene. Masterpieces such as Degas’ “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years” and key works from Zandomeneghi reveal a relationship marked by admiration, tension and creative exchange. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Brescia exhibition explores Italy’s Liberty – February 23, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Brescia’s Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco has opened “Liberty. The Art of Modern Italy,” a major exhibition running through June 14 that traces the nation’s Art Nouveau season and highlights how Italy embraced cultural unity and industrial modernity from the late 19th century to World War I. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fashion and archival materials reveal the rise of a new aesthetic and the emergence of modern Italian design. The exhibition also underscores the era’s evolving image of women and includes a section dedicated to early cinema. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Malo’s mask museum preserves a Venetian legacy – January 29, Il Giornale di Vicenza

More than 500 plaster molds, 300 papier-mâché masks (including those crafted for Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut) and three decades of Venetian artistry now live under one roof in Malo’s Mondonovo Mask Museum. Housed in Palazzo Corielli, the space recreates the atmosphere of a typical Venetian workshop aiming to preserve a unique craft central to Carnival tradition. Visitors encounter Greek and Roman theater masks, Disney commissions, classic Venetian characters and pieces created for the Arena di Verona and La Fenice Theatre. The museum is open Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m., with weekday visits available by reservation. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Escher, architect of impossible worlds and pop icon – February 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Padua’s Altinate San Gaetano Cultural Center hosts a major Escher retrospective, open until July 19, showcasing more than 150 works by the Dutch master of visual paradoxes. Though rooted in rigorous graphic research, Escher unexpectedly became a 1960s pop icon, his impossible staircases and metamorphoses appearing in posters, album imagery and counterculture graphics. The exhibition traces his evolution from Italian landscapes to tessellations inspired by the Alhambra, highlighting how his fusion of art, mathematics and perception continues to captivate both scholars and the public. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Villaverla bicycle museum preserves a century of cycling history – February 19, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Vinicio Comberlato turned his father Arduino’s passion for cycling into the Villaverla Bicycle Museum in 2017. Located on Via Einaudi, the museum displays more than 100 bicycles representing Italian and international history, from work bikes used by priests, bakers and tailors to early models like an 1800s velocipede and a 1917 draisine. Racing bikes and jerseys signed by champions, including Michele Scarponi, Vincenzo Nibali and Tadej Pogacar round out the collection. The museum is open by reservation. To book a visit, contact Mr. Vinicio (who only speaks Italian) at +39 345 995 8680. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Araceli Church, open after five years

The Church of Santa Maria di Araceli located near Parco Querini reopened Nov. 30 after more than five years of closure. The baroque landmark, designed by Guarino Guarini, was shut following the collapse of a large window during a 2020 storm. Repairs were delayed by the pandemic and financing issues tied to Italy’s “superbonus” program. The restoration cost more than €280,000, with €44,000 funded by the city, €60,000 from the Italian Bishops’ Conference and the remainder covered by a parish loan. The church will welcome visitors ahead of an official inauguration planned by the parish.

Treviso, “From Picasso to Van Gogh” exhibition opens Nov. 15

The exhibit “From Picasso to Van Gogh: Stories of Painting from Abstraction to Impressionism” is open until May 10 at the Santa Caterina Museum, Treviso. On display, 60 masterpieces from the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio, showcasing works by Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Picasso and others, highlighting connections between Impressionism and Abstraction, and between American and European movements, revealing a shared pursuit of creative freedom. For information and tickets, visit the museum’s website https://www.museicivicitreviso.it/en

Vicenza civic museum marks 170th anniversary with 3D Palladio exhibit – August 17, 2025, Il Giornale di Vicenza

On Aug. 18, 1855, Vicenza officially opened its Civic Museum in the iconic Palazzo Chiericati, marking the culmination of decades of effort, donations and civic pride. The museum’s roots trace back to 1820, when the city began collecting artworks and archaeological finds, many donated by prominent local citizens. Despite political unrest, cholera outbreaks and bureaucratic delays, the museum evolved into a cultural landmark, housing masterpieces and Palladio’s original drawings. Key figures like Leonardo Trissino and Abbot Antonio Magrini played pivotal roles in securing the building and shaping its mission. At its inauguration in 1855, Vicenza’s Civic Museum was organized into three distinct sections: Antiquities, Fine Arts and Natural History. Today, Palazzo Chiericati houses more than 35,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, prints and applied arts. To mark its 170th anniversary, the museum is launching a permanent interactive touchscreen exbibit showcasing Palladio’s digitized drawings in 3D. A perfect blend of history and innovation, this anniversary event celebrates Vicenza’s rich artistic legacy and its future-forward vision. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Arzignano’s leather museum to bridge past and future

The leather industry in the Arzignano area is among the most important in the world: over 500 companies, nearly 11,000 employees, and an annual turnover exceeding 3 billion euros. Now, Italy's first interactive and experiential leather museum has opened at Via del Lavoro 22 in Arzignano, called Mile - Museum of Interactive Leather Experience. It's not a traditional museum, but an immersive experience that, through video mapping, multimedia installations, and educational workshops, takes visitors on a journey through the history of tanning, environmental challenges, and technological innovations. The museum is open to the public one Saturday morning per month, with reservations required through Eventbrite. For more information, visit https://www.milemuseum.it/

The Civic Tower in Bassano

This past summer, the reopening of the civic tower in Bassano del Grappa was part of the program to enhance the city’s medieval heritage promoted by the culture department. The tower is accessible on weekend afternoons and holidays. The 14th-century monument, is more than 40 meters high and overlooks Piazza Garibaldi, in the historic center.

Planning a trip to Rome and Vatican City? Now you can visit the legendary Raphael Rooms

The Vatican Museums just unveiled the fully restored Room of Constantine, the largest and most impressive of the four Raphael Rooms, ornate reception rooms that stand as pristine examples of High Renaissance artistry and showcase Raphael’s genius through intricate frescoes depicting biblical scenes, classical philosophy, and the triumph of Christianity. The Raphael Rooms are included in the Vatican Museums admission and are typically less crowded than the nearby Sistine Chapel. Don't miss the ceiling of the Room of Constantine, featuring Tommaso Laureti’s incredible “Triumph of Christianity over Paganism” — a masterpiece of Renaissance perspective that creates the illusion of looking up through a tapestry into heaven.

The Pasubio Ossuary: where memory merges with history – November 26, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The “Fondazione 3 Novembre 1918” is preparing initiatives for the centenary of the Pasubio Memorial, to be celebrated next summer. Plans include permanent and temporary exhibitions in Vicenza; a commemorative stamp; concerts; a totem in member municipalities; school activities and a student competition on soldiers’ lives in the Great War. The Ossuary was inaugurated in 1926 to honor the memory of 5,146 Italian and Austrian soldiers. Professor Giuseppe Longo emphasized the Memorial as a living monument, teaching sacrifice, resilience, and values that inspire dialogue and civic unity. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Villa Valmarana ai Nani, secret garden open to the public

The “Bosco di villa Valmarana ai Nani” is a corner of greenery and peace that has remained hidden from view for a long time. Last year, 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

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)

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)

Vicenza mirrors its museum, with the Roi wing reaching back to the 1900s

At the end of last year – after 20 years – 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.

A spark of France amid the Vicenza countryside – November 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Did you know there’s an Eiffel Tower near here? Just a short drive from Vicenza, in the town of Pojana Maggiore, you’ll find a gleaming replica of France’s most famous landmark. Built in 1999 by the local company Laserjet, which specializes in sheet metal and steelwork, the tower stands 38 meters tall and weighs 56 tons. It took six months, 700 bolts and plenty of craftsmanship to assemble- an impressive showcase of Vicenza’s industrial skill. To find it, type “Torre Eiffel di Pojana” on Google maps. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

*FOOD & DRINKS:

Vicenza’s top takeout pizzerias, according to customers – February 25, VicenzaToday

VicenzaToday highlights the city’s most‑recommended takeout spots, spanning contemporary Neapolitan styles, classic Italian doughs and the unique local “pizza quadra.” Standouts include 230 Grammi (Via S. Caboto, 26) praised for its light, Neapolitan crust, and Speedypizza Vicenza (Via Castelfidardo, 2), one of the few takeout places using a wood‑fired oven. Artisan options such as L’ Artigiano della Pizza (Viale S. Lazzaro, 105) and thin, fast delivery from Pizzeria San Marco (Contra S. Francesco, 3) also rank high. The list continues with Pizza Da Ignazio (Corso Padova, 138); Pizza Express da Toni e Mery (Viale Astichello, 169); Pomo D’Oro (Viale Trieste, 133); Pizzeria Ciao Ragazzi (Via Santa Bertilla, 32); Da Mario (Viale Jacopo dal Verme, 83) and Pizzeria Capriccio (Via Nicolò Tommaseo, 1), all praised for quality ingredients and reliable takeout service. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Best pubs in Vicenza and the surrounding province where you can eat and drink well – March 11, VicenzaToday

Looking for an evening out with friends? Few things beat the authentic flavor of a good craft beer paired with well‑made food. For hop lovers, this is a golden moment: the pub scene has grown, craft breweries have multiplied, and beers from around the world are now easy to find — from English and Irish classics to Belgian, American, abbey styles, IPAs, lagers, stouts, blanches, pale ales and lambics. Here are the places where beer borders on a religion — cozy, character‑filled pubs inspired by traditional Anglo‑Saxon public houses, where wood, warmth and atmosphere take center stage.

Drunken Duck – Quinto

The Drunken Duck is a landmark for craft beer lovers. With 18 taps, it offers a wide selection of carefully curated beers from around the world. Owner Vanni Borin specializes in sour beers and lambics, including rare Scandinavian rosés worth seeking out. The kitchen focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, serving creative sandwiches, flavorful bruschette and excellent fried dishes. The pub has earned international recognition for its beer list and is among the select venues participating in Cantillon’s “Zwanze Day.” A must‑visit for anyone who loves great beer and great food.

Wild Turkey – Castelgomberto

A beautifully maintained pub that transports you straight to Victorian‑era London. Despite its industrial‑area location, the interior is warm, detailed and entirely wood‑lined. Opened in 1990 by Bruno and Daniela, the Wild Turkey is known for thoughtful beer‑and‑food pairings — from Cantabrian anchovies with Belhaven Black to Fassona burgers with Fiolaro broccoli and Asiago fondue paired with a White Oak IPA. The beer list is extensive and served with meticulous attention to glassware, temperature and pour. There’s also a wide selection of teas, coffees and fresh smoothies. The outdoor garden is perfect in warm weather.

Bulldog’s Holland Pub – Altavilla

A welcoming, well‑decorated pub that has been a local favorite for decades. Its atmosphere recalls traditional Dutch pubs, with a broad menu and excellent bruschette. Owners Milvano and Barbara maintain a high standard of service and beer quality. The space is cozy and inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating, wooden tables, soft lighting and good music — a reliable choice at any hour.

Taverna del Luppolo – Torri di Quartesolo

Just outside Vicenza, this charming pub features 16 rotating taps and an Irish‑style wooden interior. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with a menu that includes standout items like the bacon burger and excellent bruschette. Beer is served with care, and the kitchen offers refined, seasonal dishes with quality meats and artisanal bread. A classic stop for anyone who loves craft beer.

San Peter’s – Vicenza

Near Ponte degli Angeli, San Peter’s is a staple of the Vicenza beer scene. The English‑style wooden décor creates a cozy atmosphere, and the pub is especially popular before and after Biancorossi games. Beers are drafted with professionalism — Guinness is a must — and the menu includes quality meat sandwiches and a signature club sandwich, also available vegetarian. Ideal for an aperitif or a casual dinner with friends.

Red Quill – Vicenza

A cozy pub inspired by traditional Scottish taverns, offering a wide selection of beers on tap and rotating seasonal choices. The kitchen serves small but well‑crafted dishes. The venue is divided into smoking and non‑smoking areas, making it comfortable year‑round. Expect low lighting, dark wood and rock‑oriented music. An adjacent brasserie offers Belgian beers, and Sky Sports events are shown. Longtime owners Giulio and Frank run the bar and kitchen with passion.

Prince of Wales – Vicenza

A classic English‑style pub with a central bar, wooden furnishings and a wide range of draft beers. Located in the Anconetta neighborhood, it attracts a diverse crowd. The drink list includes whiskies, rums and beers of every style — Scottish, Irish, Belgian, stout, red, double malt, IPA, bock and porter. The menu features appetizers, bruschette, spianate, club sandwiches, burgers and excellent panini.

Mariolo’s Pub – Zugliano

A long‑standing favorite known for excellent draft beer and delicious appetizers. The menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches — both meat and fish — famous for their flavor, along with outstanding bruschette. Try the Blanche de Namur with ginger or the Kwak. On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the go‑to spot for Guinness and a festive atmosphere. With its all‑wood interior and large garden, it’s perfect in any season.

Jokerman – Zanè

A true institution — more family than pub. The décor is entirely hand‑selected, with well‑worn wood and character in every corner. Rare beers appear on tap, including Timmermans geuze and Bourgogne des Flandres aged in oak. The atmosphere is shaped by its people, especially Gigi, a beloved beer expert, and the owner, the “Joker,” known for recommending the perfect pint. The menu includes bruschette, toasted sandwiches, tramezzini, burgers and more.

Tetley’s Pub – Bassano

The tour ends in Bassano, with a beautiful river view and a classic British‑style interior. Tetley’s offers a wide selection of dishes and beers, with standout items like the club sandwich and country burger, plus vegetarian options. Beyond beer, the pub serves herbal teas and infusions. Overlooking the Brenta River and near the Ponte degli Alpini, it feels like stepping into a London public house.

Prosit, Cheers, Sláinte and Cin cin.

Vicenza restaurants shine in the Veneto’s culinary awards – December 12, VicenzaToday

Eight restaurants in Vicenza have been honored with the Land of Venice – Food Excellence award, recognizing them as among the best in the Veneto region. The award highlights the province’s culinary scene, which blends creativity, local ingredients and innovation. The award-winning restaurants are Aqua Crua in Barbarano Vicentino; Casin del Gamba in Altissimo; La Favellina in Malo; La Peca in Lonigo; La Tana Gourmet in Asiago; Matteo Grandi – In Basilica in Vicenza; Damini Macelleria & Affini in Arzignano and Spinechile Resort in Schio. (Summary by Silvia Trevisan)

Italian cuisine named UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – December 10, Tgcom.it

UNESCO has officially added Italian cuisine to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural, social and community value. The recognition is unprecedented: it is the first time an entire food tradition has been honored, not just individual dishes or specialties. Behind pasta, pizza and more beloved recipes lies a powerful economic engine. Italy’s extended agro-food chain - from farming to distribution, industry to restaurants - generates €707 billion. That figure makes food the country’s leading source of wealth. Italy now counts 21 traditions on the heritage list, nine tied to food and agriculture, including Neapolitan pizza-making, the Mediterranean diet and truffle hunting. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

Vicenza Michelin stars restaurants hold steady – November 20, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The 2026 Michelin Guide confirmed all eight starred restaurants in Vicenza, dispelling rumors of changes. “La Peca” in Lonigo remains the province’s only two‑star venue, while long‑standing icons such as “Casin del Gamba” in Altissimo; “Damini Macelleria & Affini” in Arzignano; “La Tana Gourmet” in Asiago; “Aqua Crua” in Barbarano; “La Favellina” in Malo; “Spinechile” in Schio and “Matteo Grandi” in Vicenza all retained their stars. The only local novelty is the Bib Gourmand, awarded to “Molin Vecio” in Caldogno, recognized for its refined yet accessible cuisine. Despite speculation, Vicenza’s fine dining scene remains stable and celebrated. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

Popular ice cream destinations in Vicenza – June 11, VicenzaToday

Gelaterie become crowded destinations in the summer. Among the most popular in Vicenza there are:

*Capo di Latte: innovation and quality ingredients

It is the perfect choice for those who love to experiment. Here the ice cream is made with organic and short supply chain ingredients, guaranteeing freshness, authenticity and surprising combinations. Located in Piazza San Lorenzo, it is the only ice cream parlor with outdoor tables in the city center.

*Il Gelataio: the excellence of tradition

Since 1990, it offers creamy flavors prepared with fresh and natural ingredients. There is also a wide selection for intolerant and vegans, with fruit sorbets without milk. It is in Viale Francesco Crispi, 57.

*Gelateria Brustolon: authenticity that makes history

Open since 1927, it is a true city institution. Specialties include freshly prepared fruit sorbets, rich and full-bodied dark chocolate, classic creams such as hazelnut and zabaglione. Located in Contrà Pusterla, 23.

*Historic ice cream shop Artigiano Palladiano: simplicity and quality

In the heart of the historic center, near Piazza dei Signori, Artigiano offers natural ice cream. Among the most popular flavors are fior di latte, stracciatella, chocolate and coconut, mango, strawberry and lemon sorbets. Address is Contrà Muschieria, 23. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

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)

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)

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 hamburgers in Vicenza

Hamburger Day is celebrated on May 28 all over the world. Classic, vegetarian or gourmet, a hamburger always has its charm. If you are looking for some of the best hamburgers in Vicenza, this is the right place:

Beppe’s Snack: A dive into the Vicenza tradition -- An institution in Vicenza, Beppe’s Snack in Contrà Porta Santa Lucia has a long tradition of serving quality sandwiches and hamburgers. There is also a wide selection of beers to best accompany your hamburger.

Busa dei Briganti: A historic pub with excellent burgers -- For lovers of the pub atmosphere, the Busa dei Briganti Pub in Contrà Portici 24 is a must. Here you can enjoy an excellent hamburger prepared with high quality meat and artisanal bread. The atmosphere is welcoming and informal.perfect for an evening in company or for after dinner with friends.

Bamburger: A modern place for a gourmet hamburger -- Located in Contrà Cantarane 15, Bamburger stands out for its proposal of gourmet hamburgers made with the highest quality ingredients and artisanal bread. All ingredients are local, and they even make their own mayo, ketchup and mustard.

JAM Burger&Music: A versatile venue for every occasion -- Located in Via Ludovico Lazzaro Zamenhof 96, is the ideal choice to find burgers made with fresh and seasonal ingredients and a wide selection of craft beers. The atmosphere is young and vibrant, perfect for an evening of music and good food.

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)

Historical distillery from Bassano del Grappa presents its new creation: Garage Gin – July 10, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Nardini Distillery is the oldest distillery in Italy, founded in 1779 at the entrance to the Ponte Vecchio in Bassano. Today, a new chapter begins with the production of “Garage Gin.” Produced entirely at the Nardini distillery, where the traditional bain-marie still is still in operation, Garage Gin is crafted according to the strict London Dry specifications, using Italian grain alcohol and nine botanicals: juniper; coriander; cardamom; green anise; sweet fennel; verbena; lemon balm; helichrysum and bitter orange peel, with no artificial flavors or sugar. The bottle’s design features a map of Bassano and an embossed logo celebrating Nardini’s heritage. The bottle is made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled material (PCR) and retails at €23.90. (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:

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)

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:

On call bus at night, now on Fridays you can travel until 2 a.m. – June 13, Il Giornale di Vicenza

In the first five months of 2025, SVT has recorded significant growth in the use of the night on call service, so they have decided to extend the hours on Friday until 2 a.m. A summer test for now, which will allow SVT to verify the actual use of the nighttime slots. The service is active on the urban network of Vicenza, with 306 stops, from 8:30–11:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, on Friday until 2 a.m. and on Saturday until 3:30 a.m. You can book a ride via the “SVT ChiamaBus” App (Call the Bus) or by calling the dedicated call center on 0444–223113 (active - for this service - from Monday to Saturday, excluding holidays, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The request can be made for a real-time ride (the ride is scheduled within the next 30 minutes), for a specific day or for multiple days for a period of up to seven days. For assistance call 0444–223118 during the same hours and days of activation of the service.

*** 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.

“Euro 5” diesel ban begins in October: two-thirds of vehicles affected – June 12, Il Giornale di Vicenza

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Euro 5 diesel cars will be banned in the Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna under Decree Law 121/2023, aimed at reducing air pollution. The restrictions will affect around one million vehicles, with two out of three cars in the province of Vicenza forced off the roads. The ban applies Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during air pollution alerts. However, officials—including Minister Matteo Salvini and regional presidents—are advocating for a postponement until October 2027, citing the measure’s modest emission benefits and potential hardships for motorists. Meanwhile, a Move-In tracking system has been introduced, allowing the most polluting vehicles to drive a limited number of kilometers per year. The municipality of Vicenza has joined the initiative, though exact participation numbers are still pending. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

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)

Tap&Tap extended to all regional train lines in the Veneto

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.

*HISTORICAL SITES:

Leiten War Memorial reopened in Asiago – May 29, Il Giornale di Vicenza

This past May, Asiago reopened the Leiten military shrine, the renown memorial monument that houses the remains of more than 54,000 Italian and Austro-Hungarian fallen soldiers of the Great War. During the opening ceremony, the undersecretary of defense Isabella Rauti said, "This is not only a dutiful commitment towards the Fallen, towards those who returned home, their families and the civilian population that suffered during the Great War, but also towards the younger generations, represented here by the students of the Asiago schools.” The project, which was financed since 2015, will go through other interventions that will include a new multimedia center and access to the terrace; during the work, there may be areas closed but some will be accessible to public. (Summary by Laura Kreider)

Santa Croce di Campese: Veneto’s most cherished landmark – June 15, VicenzaToday

The 12th census of “I Luoghi del Cuore” gathered over 2.3 million votes across Italy, recognizing cherished sites for restoration and cultural enhancement. The Santuario Nostra Signora delle Grazie in Nizza Monferrato (Piedmont) claimed the top spot with 72,050 votes. In the Veneto, the Complesso di Santa Croce di Campese in Bassano del Grappa ranked fourth nationwide and first regionally with 42,190 votes. The historic monastery, celebrating its 900th anniversary, seeks to restore and make its archival documents accessible. Other top-ranking Veneto sites include Castello di Feltre, Giardino Salvi in Vicenza, the former San Tomaso complex in Vicenza and Ponte della Vittoria in Belluno. (Summary by Anna Ciccotti)

The monument on Mount Pasubio, a sacred place in Italian history – June 25, Il Giornale di Vicenza

The military shrine of Mount Pasubio was inaugurated on Aug. 29, 1926, in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III, who on the same day also inaugurated Piazzale della Vittoria in Vicenza. It houses the remains of more than 5,000 Italian soldiers and 40 Austro-Hungarians who fell during the First World War and appears on the coat of arms of the Province of Vicenza together with the other three shrines of Vicenza (Asiago, Monte Grappa and Monte Cimone). Mount Pasubio was among the most contested mountains on the Alpine front during the First World War: the resistance put up by the soldiers of the First Army against the Austrian Army, even during the Strafexpedition, prevented a rapid descent towards Vicenza. Every year, on the first Sunday of July, the “3 November 1918 Foundation” organizes a ceremony to commemorate the Fallen. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

The wonders of an ancient pre-Roman necropolis in Padova – May 19, Rainews.it

After the discovery a few years ago of 220 tombs from the Roman era, other tombs have emerged in Padova that predate Romanization by several centuries. In one there were 36 finds, in another the burial of a horse. For now, there are about 10 tombs dating back to the fifth and sixth century BC, enriched with grave goods, ossuary vases, tools and bronze objects. They emerged from the excavation for the construction of the Student House in Padova in Via Campagnola. Lab studies will now give a precise dating to the necropolis that has emerged, but certainly the discovery says a lot about the urban planning of Patavium (that’s how the Romans called Padova), a large and important city well before the Romans. (Summary by Angela Balbo)

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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