Editor’s note: This post was updated in November 2020.
One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS, or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to United States Army Garrison Italy in Vicenza, Italy.
Being stationed in overseas locations like Vicenza, Italy, is unique and can be more challenging to figure out than the average stateside PCS. First, the military community of USAG Italy is made up of three installations—Caserma Ederle, Caserma Del Din, and Longare—where the soldiers work on a daily basis. There is a fourth location where families may live and which houses the schools—Villagio.
In addition to what is offered through on-post services, military families living in Vicenza have access to many resources on the Italian economy.
Most well-known for being home to the famous 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), USAG Italy and its surrounding area are filled with history, beautiful architecture, Italian culture, and abundant adventure.
GENERAL INFORMATION
USAG Italy is home to the following units:
- U.S. Army Africa Headquarters
- Elements of the 173rd IBCT (Airborne)
- 21st Theater Sustainment Command—Italy
- 509th Signal Battalion
- United States Army Garrison Italy also supports U.S. military units located in Liorno, Italy, with the Darby Military Community
Surrounding Cities:
- Vicenza (5 kilometers)
- Padua (41 kilometers)
- Verona (55 kilometers)
- Asiago (63 kilometers)
- Venice (66 kilometers)
- Treviso (81 kilometers)
Closest MAJOR Cities: Verona and Venice
Names of Area Colleges:
Weather: Vicenza experiences all four seasons, although some are more drastic than others. Summertime in Vicenza is often very hot with July and August hitting the 90s on a daily basis. Thankfully, many beautiful lakes and beaches are close by. January is often the coldest month with temperatures sitting around 30 degrees. The fall months average in the 50s and the leaves change colors and fall to the ground. Springtime is sunny and beautiful in the 70s.
Time Zone: Central European Time
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the post website, click here.
Maps of the Area:
Historical Facts/Landmarks: You can read all about the history of USAG Italy here.
HOUSING
On-post Housing is managed by Army Housing.
Housing for USAG Italy, like many overseas locations, is different than in the U.S. It is uncommon to find or secure housing before arriving and signing in, but once you do, the process can begin. The Housing Office assists from start to finish.
On-post housing on Villagio is limited and saved for E-5s and below or families with small children. Government-leased housing—homes on the Italian economy that are owned and leased through the Housing Office for Americans—is available if homes are open upon arrival. Lastly, the use of a realtor to search for privatized housing in any desired area is possible.
Read here for more information.
SCHOOLS
School Districts: All schools are managed by the Europe South District of DoDEA.
On-Post Schools
- Elementary: Vicenza Elementary (K-5)
- Middle: Vicenza Middle School (6-8)
- High School: Vicenza High School (9-12)
Off-Post Schools: All families have the option to send their children to Italian asilo, elementary, middle, and high schools on the economy.
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- PX on Caserma Ederle
- Commissary
- Ederle Library
- Vicenza Army Health Clinic
- MWR
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care:
- Hospital and Urgent Care: San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza
- Other healthcare providers: Vicenza Army Health Clinic offers a list of all specialists and other practitioners available at San Bartolo Hospital.
- Dentist: Clinica Dentale
Best place for beauty services: Fiore di Loto and Femme du Monde.
Shopping/malls: Palladio Centro Commerciale and Le Piramidi Centro Acquisti.
RESTAURANTS
Italians definitely know how to eat, so click here for a list of the top restaurants in the Vicenza area.
MUST DO
Vicenza:
- Drink spritz at Bar Borsa before grabbing dinner at any of the top places in downtown Vicenza
- Eat gelato at any of the countless shops—you can’t go wrong!
- See a Vicenza Calcio soccer game
- Visit any of these museums in the area
- See a show at Teatro Olimpico
- Take a cooking class with Lucas inside his quaint downtown apartment
- Drink wine, eat pizza, and ride horses through the vineyards at La Dolce Vigna
- Visit Olio Bonamini for a tour and tasting and purchase delicious olive oils, pesto, and more
- Fill your own wine bottles at Muraro Enomas Cantine
- Visit the city of Bassano Del Grappa to see how grappa is made
- Climb the wall surrounding the city of Cittadella
Verona:
- Attend an opera at the Arena di Verona
Nove:
- Load up on beautiful ceramic items
Venice:
- Visit the Murano Glass Factory to check out their beautiful glasswork and jewelry
- Take a gondola ride
- See Basilica di San Marco
Don’t miss the famous food sites (only a short train ride away):
- Parma, where Parmesan cheese originated
- Modena, the home of balsamic vinegar
- Bologna, the home of bolognese
In addition to the must do activities in the Vicenza area, don’t overlook traveling around Europe to bordering countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Austria, or even driving to or hopping a plane to some other European countries.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook page: U.S. Army Garrison Italy
Military Spouse Groups:
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
Religious services:
Can you tell me more about the living situation. I have a large husky that will be coming with us. Is it possible to get something with a yard or is it basically apartment only living?
Hi Laura,
It is probably best to ask your assigned sponsor about the actual housing process for your family’s new unit in Italy.
However, with getting your dog ready for an OCONUS move, you may also find the APHIS/USDA website very helpful for pet travel information. Each country usually has it’s own process, and you can find information on Italy’s import rules: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-italy.
I would also suggest a visit to your local on-base veterinarian clinic if one is available. All military vets should be USDA certified and familiar with OCONUS paperwork processes. You will also want to talk to your travel office about pet spaces on your flights as soon as possible.
Here is a useful Pet page that supports everyone incoming, new and in the community.. Lots of helpful information also
Be sure to click the link under my name and it will take you to our Pet Page in Vicenza.
Hello,
I am a contractor at Del Din and was told that this site may able to help with my situation. My benefit did not include DoD school therefore I have to send my children to a local Italian elementary school. I have been contacting the schools via email but of course ran into translation obstacle. I am still looking for a place as well. What would you recommend taking the next step- look for a school first then a place? The reason I mentioned that because I was told that not all school will have availability. I am still waiting on my codice fiscale and cannot apply for my children’s until I receive mine…
I will sincerely appreciate any feedback you have. Thank you!
Hi Soha! Goodness, that is quite a unique situation that you have before you. I would recommend that you join some of the local Vincenza, Italy spouse pages to get some additional insight, since you have such specific questions. Off the top of my head, I am not sure what additional answer we have for you, but I will sure go ahead and ask our AWN team and our network. 🙂