Browse books where Vicenza’s writers have been shopping since 1880

→ Giovanni Galla’s bookshop, since 1880
Giovanni Galla established his business in 1880 in Contrà Muscheria, a street in central Vicenza, taking over a shop that sold stationery, toys and books. His commercial ambitions were wonderfully broad: an early advertisement offered newspapers, wrapping paper and even seeds alongside the books. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the business was so familiar that its corner on Corso Palladio acquired a local name, el canton de Galla, or Galla’s corner. Several changes of premises followed, including reconstruction after wartime bombing.

→ Three kilometres of shelves, with first editions and used vinyl
Across Corso Palladio at number 12, Galla+Libraccio advertises more than three kilometres of shelving. Its Varia e metà prezzo department combines fiction, essays, art, architecture and comics with discounted books. First editions and modernariato librario, collectible publications from the more recent past, provide a separate reason to browse for readers interested in particular printings and older editions. Libraccio
The buying extends to music: the shop also sells used vinyl, CDs and DVDs, and purchases secondhand material from customers for cash. An afternoon here can therefore accommodate an architecture volume, an Italian first edition and a record purchase at the same address.

→ Twenty years of mountain photography, presented at Galla
In May 2024, Galla’s programme featured American photographer Jim Herrington and The Climbers, the result of twenty years spent photographing leading figures in mountaineering. The Italian edition contains sixty portraits made on film, including Reinhold Messner, Riccardo Cassin and Royal Robbins, with a foreword by climber Alex Honnold. Herrington’s Vicenza presentation brought together his mountain photographs, music portraiture and accounts of the travels behind the book.

→ Coffee and an author evening
Galla Caffè adjoins the main bookshop, with a tea room and space for meetings with Italian and international authors. Spazio Galla also accommodates reading groups, performances and art exhibitions. Author meetings are advertised as free to attend; check the programme, event language and any reservation arrangements before choosing an evening.

 
→ Where can I buy art and architecture books in Vicenza?
Galla 1880, at Corso Andrea Palladio 11, stocks art, architecture and design alongside literature and travel books. Ask about current titles on Palladio, Vicenza and Italian architecture.

→ Where can I find used books and first editions in Vicenza?
Galla+Libraccio, opposite at Corso Andrea Palladio 12, lists used books, first editions and discounted titles among its specialities. It is a separate shop from Galla 1880.

→ Can I find books in English?
The bookshop lists foreign language books among its categories. Contact the staff with your preferred title, author and language to confirm the edition available before visiting.