Caserma Ederle

Caserma Ederle Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Vicenza Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic city of Vicenza, Italy, Caserma Ederle is a pivotal U.S. military base with a storied past and enduring strategic significance. Established on the site of an early 20th-century Italian military installation, Caserma Ederle transitioned to American control following the liberation of Vicenza by U.S. forces at the end of World War II. Today, it serves as headquarters for the U.S. Army Garrison Italy and hosts the renowned 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, playing a vital role in NATO operations and U.S. military deployments across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (Wikipedia; VICE; Military OneSource).

While Caserma Ederle is an active military installation with restricted access, understanding its historical context and the vibrant community life on base offers valuable insight into its significance for both the U.S. military and the city of Vicenza. This guide provides a thorough overview of Caserma Ederle’s history, practical information for authorized visitors, and recommendations for exploring Vicenza’s UNESCO-listed heritage and local attractions (Getting Around Vicenza; Trek Zone; Vicenza Tourism).

U.S. Army leaders cutting ribbon ceremony at Warrior Transition Unit single soldier quarters in Vicenza, Italy

Ceremonial cake with Warrior Transition Unit values during ribbon-cutting ceremony in Vicenza, Italy

U.S. Army General Joseph Harrington discussing with Soldiers of the 13th Sustainment Command at USARAF Headquarters in Caserma Ederle, Italy

U.S. Army Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Joseph Harrington discussing with two teams of Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at USARAF Headquarters in Caserma Ederle

U.S. Army Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Joseph Harrington recognizing a team of Soldiers led by Lt. Col. Dennis Bowers from the 13th Sustainment Command at USARAF Headquarters in Caserma Ederle

U.S. Army paratroopers conducting airborne refresher training at Aviano Air Base, Italy

U.S. Army paratroopers of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment boarding a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Pordenone, Italy

U.S. Army paratrooper exiting 34-foot jump tower during airborne refresher training in Vicenza, Italy

U.S. Army paratrooper landing with T-11 parachute at Juliet Drop Zone in Pordenone Italy

Meghan Markle learning how to wear a parachute from 173rd Airborne Brigade soldiers during 2014 USO Holiday tour in Vicenza Italy

Meghan Markle learning how to wear a parachute from Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the 2014 USO Holiday tour in Vicenza, Italy

Meghan Markle learning to wear a parachute from a 173rd Airborne Brigade soldier during 2014 USO Holiday tour in Vicenza, Italy

Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade jumping from C-130 Hercules aircraft during airborne operation at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy

Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting room clearing during Military Operations Urban Terrain exercise in Vicenza Italy

Paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment training at EST in Caserma Ederle Vicenza Italy

U.S. Army Col. Andrew Rohling delivering speech at 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team change of command ceremony in Caserma Ederle, Italy

Brig. Gen. Steven W. Ainsworth passing the 2500th Digital Liaison Detachment guideon to Col. Christopher Varhola during change of command ceremony at Hoekstra Field, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy

Change of command ceremony at 7th Mission Support Command with Laura Varhola receiving yellow flowers

U.S. Army Maj. Kurt Findlay leading training at AGAPE exercise in Caserma Ederle

Admiral Michelle Howard signing guest book at Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units in Vicenza

Admiral Michelle Howard signing guest of honor book at Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units, Vicenza, Italy

Admiral Michelle Howard signing guest of honor book at CoESPU Vicenza visit

Italian man Pietro Luigi Colombo reunited with military officials at Caserma Ederle after 70 years

Italian man Pietro Luigi Colombo visits Caserma Ederle with daughters and granddaughter

Italian man Pietro Luigi Colombo visits Caserma Ederle with family after 70 years

Chemical paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade training on hazardous materials equipment in Slovenia

American chemical paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting hazardous materials equipment analysis training at Pocek training area in Slovenia

Chemical paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting sampling training in bunkers at Pocek training area Slovenia

Chemical paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting bunker sampling training in Slovenia

Chemical paratroopers from the 173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion conducting sampling training in bunkers at Pocek training area in Postojna, Slovenia during exercise Agile Titan

Chemical paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting sampling training in bunkers at Pocek training area, Slovenia

U.S. Army Paratroopers of Bravo Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, performing airfield and crater repair using High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Rovigo, Italy, February 2017

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade performing airfield and crater repair with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion conducting airfield and crater repair with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting airfield and crater repair using High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion repairing airfield crater using High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta Rovigo Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers from Bravo Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade repairing airfield crater with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Italy in 2017

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade conducting airfield and crater repair with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta, Italy

U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade performing airfield and crater repair in Italy with a High Mobility Engineer Excavator

U.S. Army Paratroopers from 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion repairing airfield crater with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion conducting light airfield and crater repair with High Mobility Engineer Excavator near Trecenta Italy

U.S. Army Paratroopers of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion repairing an airfield crater with a High Mobility Engineer Excavator in Trecenta, Italy

Brig. Gen. Eric Folkestad and U.S. Ambassador Lewis M. Eisenberg posing in USARAF commander's office at Caserma Ederle, Italy

Spc. Steffen Hill discussing Army officer career opportunities with Capt. Rich Demarais at We:Mentor luncheon on Caserma Ederle

Group photo of U.S. Army officers and their spouses during an award ceremony at U.S. Army Africa headquarters in Vicenza, Italy

Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier and Brig. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve posing in USARAF commander's office at Caserma Ederle, Italy, 2018

Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier and Brig. Gen. Christopher L. Eubank posing in USARAF commander's office at Caserma Ederle Italy February 2019

Introduction
History and Strategic Role
Base Expansion and Community Relations
Visiting Caserma Ederle: Hours, Access, and Tickets
Facilities and Life on Base
Social and Cultural Impact
Exploring Vicenza: Top Historical Sites and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Sources

History and Strategic Role

Early Military Origins & World War II

Caserma Ederle’s military legacy began in the early 20th century as an Italian Army site. Its strategic transformation occurred post-World War II when American troops liberated Vicenza in April 1945 (Stars and Stripes). The base was soon integrated into the U.S. military’s European command, supporting stabilization and reconstruction efforts.

Establishment and Cold War Expansion

Officially named after Major Carlo Ederle, a decorated Italian World War I hero, the base was formally established in the 1950s as part of the Bilateral Infrastructure Agreement between the U.S. and Italy (Wikipedia). During the Cold War, Caserma Ederle became a crucial hub for NATO operations, providing a logistical springboard for rapid deployment across Europe and the Mediterranean (zpadr.3m.com). Its facilities expanded and modernized to meet the demands of a growing U.S. military presence (Wikipedia).

Post-Cold War and Modernization

After the Cold War, Caserma Ederle’s mission evolved to support peacekeeping in the Balkans and later U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The base now functions as a headquarters for U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (Wikipedia; ItalyGonia), reinforcing its strategic relevance in U.S. and NATO defense.

Dal Molin/Del Din Annex and Local Response

In 2007, construction began on a new annex, Dal Molin (now Caserma Del Din), further boosting operational capacity. This expansion, while strategically significant, sparked local protests over environmental concerns and the perception of limited economic benefit (VICE). Despite controversy, the annex was completed, and Vicenza now hosts two major American military sites (VICE).

Contemporary Operations

Currently, Caserma Ederle is a vital platform for U.S. Army Garrison Italy, overseeing missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (Military OneSource). Its rapid deployment capability is central to U.S. and NATO strategic objectives, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Army Africa based here (ItalyGonia).

Base Expansion and Community Relations

Caserma Ederle has undergone major infrastructure upgrades, including expanded housing, a new high school, and modern support facilities (Army.mil). Organizations such as the Vicenza Community Club and USO Vicenza provide support and host events that foster integration with the local Italian community (Vicenza Community Club; USO Vicenza). Despite efforts to encourage cultural exchange, the American presence remains somewhat insular due to the transient nature of military assignments (VICE; Wives of the Armed Forces).

Visiting Caserma Ederle: Hours, Access, and Tickets

Access Protocols

As an active military facility, Caserma Ederle is not open for casual public visits. Access is strictly limited to authorized personnel, their families, and invited guests. All visitors must be sponsored and undergo security vetting. Non-U.S. citizens may require additional documentation such as an Italian visa (Official U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza Website).

Visiting Hours:
Standard duty hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM. Outside these times, access is restricted and must be pre-arranged.

Tickets:
No public tickets are available. Special events, such as the annual Fourth of July Festa, may grant temporary public access with prior registration (Getting Around Vicenza).

Visitor Requirements:

Valid government-issued photo ID
Sponsorship by an authorized base resident
Compliance with security and escort protocols
Official visitors must report to the Central Processing Facility (CPF) on arrival

Contact for Visitor Arrangements:

CPF: +39 0444 71 6996 / 6741 / 8706
After hours: USAG Vicenza Staff Duty Officer +39 0444 71 7867 / 6230

Facilities and Life on Base

Caserma Ederle offers amenities for military personnel and their families, including on-base housing, schools, medical and dental clinics, a commissary, exchange, fitness facilities, childcare, and community support centers (Wikipedia; ItalyGonia). The Ederle Inn provides temporary lodging, and the base hosts community organizations, such as the USO, which helps newcomers integrate and provides ongoing support (USO Vicenza).

Relocation programs assist with orientation, temporary lodging, and household goods. The base promotes community life through social events, educational programs, and cultural engagement (Vicenza Community Club).

The presence of U.S. forces has had a profound effect on Vicenza, both economically and culturally. At its peak, the American community exceeded 12,000, influencing local businesses and social life (VICE). While the base brings economic benefits and cultural exchange, occasional incidents and environmental debates have sparked local controversy (VICE). Nevertheless, ongoing efforts to foster goodwill include joint U.S.-Italian events, community outreach, and philanthropic initiatives.

Exploring Vicenza: Top Historical Sites and Tips

Vicenza’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for the works of architect Andrea Palladio. The city offers a wealth of attractions:

Piazza dei Signori: The city’s main square, with the iconic Basilica Palladiana (open Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, ~€8 entry) (Vicenza Tourism).
Teatro Olimpico: The world’s oldest indoor theater, daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, ~€6 entry (Teatro Olimpico official).
Villa Capra “La Rotonda”: Palladio’s masterpiece, open daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, tickets ~€10, advance booking recommended.
Palazzo Chiericati: Art museum, Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, tickets ~€5.
Parco Querini & Giardino Salvi: Public parks, open daily, free entry.
Sanctuary of Monte Berico: Religious site with panoramic views, open daily 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Travel Tips:

The city is pedestrian-friendly and well connected by public transport.
For discounted entry to multiple sites, consider the Vicenza GOLD or SILVER Card.
Most museums and landmarks are accessible; check individual sites for details.

Events:
Annual highlights include the Vicenza Jazz Festival and Festa di Monte Berico (Vicenza Events).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I visit Caserma Ederle as a tourist?
No, general public access is not permitted except during select community events with prior registration.

Are there guided tours of the base?
No regular public tours are offered. Inquire with USAG Italy Public Affairs for special events.

What documents do I need to enter?
Authorized visitors require valid ID and sponsorship; non-U.S. citizens may need a visa.

Are there tickets for Caserma Ederle?
No tickets are sold for base access. Entry is by invitation or sponsorship only.

What are the best nearby attractions?
Highlights include Palladian villas, Piazza dei Signori, Teatro Olimpico, and city museums.

Conclusion

Caserma Ederle stands at the intersection of U.S. military strategy and Italian cultural heritage. While base access is restricted, understanding its role and exploring the surrounding city of Vicenza offers a rewarding experience for those interested in history, architecture, and international cooperation. For the latest updates, official guidelines, and cultural highlights, download the Audiala app and follow Vicenza’s tourism platforms.

Sources

Caserma Ederle, 2025, Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
U.S. Army Bases Vicenza Italy, 2024, VICE (VICE)
USAG Italy Overview, 2025, Military OneSource (Military OneSource)
SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility, 2024, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility)
Getting Around Vicenza, 2024 (Getting Around Vicenza)
Vicenza Community Club, 2024 (Vicenza Community Club)
USO Vicenza, 2024 (USO Vicenza)
Vicenza Tourism Official Site, 2024 (Vicenza Tourism)
Army.mil Article on Vicenza, 2025 (Army.mil)
Trek Zone Caserma Ederle, 2024 (Trek Zone)