Ever wondered what it’s like to be stationed in Vicenza, Italy? For military families in the Vicenza Military Community (VMC), life in Northern Italy offers an incredible opportunity to experience the rich culture, lifestyle and history of Italy. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of the city, indulging in the local cuisine, or taking weekend trips to nearby cities, Vicenza offers something for everyone. Here is a practical guide to making the most of your time in Vicenza:
Brief overview of Vicenza and the military community
Vicenza, located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, is a historic city known for its unique blend of Renaissance architecture, beautiful landscapes and vibrant community.
You’ll find that the military community is home to three smaller installations — Caserma Ederle, Caserma Del Din, and Caserma Miotto — which all form the hub of the VMC.
While families enjoy the comfort of familiar military resources, Vicenza also offers a chance to embrace Italian lifestyle and culture. The community has easy access to nearby cities, the Italian Alps, and a wealth of historical sites. You’ll find endless opportunities for adventure, learning and exploration.
The Sights: Exploring Vicenza’s architectural and cultural gems
Vicenza is often called the “City of Palladio” due to the works of Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential Renaissance architects. His architectural masterpieces are scattered throughout the city, making Vicenza a must-see city for anyone interested in history, architecture, or the Italian renaissance.
It’s highly recommended to stop by the tourism information point where you can get the Vicenza Card, which allows you to take advantage of many of the sights here in Vicenza.
Piazza Dei Signori: At the heart of the city, this vibrant square is surrounded by stunning buildings, including the Basilica Palladiana and Town Hall. It’s a great place to grab an Aperol Spritz, enjoy a coffee, and people watch, especially on market days which are every Tuesday and Thursday.
Teatro Olimpico is the world’s oldest indoor theater, designed by Palladio himself. The theatre offers a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors as the stage plays with your perception.
Villa La Rotonda: Another Palladian gem, Villa La Rotonda is a stunning villa known for its symmetry and perfectly proportioned design, located just outside the city, it’s an ideal place to visit for a peaceful afternoon.
Museum of Gold, or “ Museo Del Gioiello,” Vicenza has a long-standing history of jewelry making, oftentimes it’s also referred to as the “City of Gold.” This is where you can learn about the regions historic jewlery making practices.
Local cuisine and restaurants
Living in Italy offers unparalleled access to some of the best food in the world, and Vicenza is no exception.
Baccalà alla Vicentina is a regional specialty featuring salted cod, slow cooked in olive oil, milk, and onions. You’ll find this on the menu in many places here in Vicenza.
Bigoli is a thick pasta typically served with duck ragu or a rich meat sauce, offering a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a great dish to enjoy at any local trattoria.
A restaurant that many families love in the area is Angolo Palladio, which has both dishes on the menu. It’s highly recommended to make a reservation as it tends to get busy.
If you are into coffee, Caffe Pigafetta is your place to go. Nestled at the end of Via Pigafetta, this café offers up a cozy atmosphere. A must try coffee is the pistachio latte.
Things to do near Vicenza:
- Venice: Just an hour away by train, Venice is a must see. Wander the canals, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and explore the city’s labyrinth of narrow streets and piazzas. Feast on yummy Cicchetti (venetian tapas) and enjoy an Aperol Spritz at a historical bar like Cantina Do Mori.
- Dolomites: For hiking enthusiasts, the Dolomites is the premier hiking area. This UNESCO World Heritage site has breathtaking mountain landscapes and moderately challenging trails. It’s a great destination for outdoor adventure for the whole family. You can easily visit places like Val Venegia in the Pale di San Martino, which has rolling meadows and beautiful vistas. Here you’ll find easy trails that even strollers can tackle.
- Asiago Plateau and the Vicenza Pre-Alps: This is the perfect place to try Asiago cheese and a wonderful place to explore WWI history. During WWI, fierce battles were fought here to defend Italy’s freedom. You’ll find many hikes that feature historical forts and sacred ossuaries like Monte Cimone di Tonezza.
Follow Kimberly @kimberlykepharttravels for more insight into the VMC and Italy.
