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Milan district
guide (Back to
Milan main information page)
Milan is divided
into 20 distinct zones that are identified numerically by the
local council, but which also have names. Although every area is
not listed here, each plays its own special role in the history
of Milan; from the importantissimo historical centre to the
modern 'dormitory quarters' of San Siro.
The Historical Centre, incorporates the fashion district, and
Castello Sforzesco, the glorious Piazza della Scala and other
areas of historical interest. Many people actually live in the
city centre, but they find that there are some disadvantages
involved in living there e.g. lack of parking spaces,
supermarkets and dry cleaner's, the rent can also be incredibly
high. On the upside, there is always plenty to do; there are
many excellent restaurants and bars within walking distance, and
a summer's evening stroll through this area is absolute bliss.
North of the centre are some well-known streets, which are
popular with residents, businessmen and visitors: Corso Venezia
and its intersecting roads are lined with noblemen's palaces; in
some cases these are still used as residences, in others, they
have been converted into luxury offices. The gardens of Porta
Venezia make up a small, enclosed park, which is one of the most
beautiful in Milan. Further north, is Corso Buenos Aires, one of
the largest commercial main roads, which is easy to reach and is
well served by the metro; it has a cosmopolitan feel, many
immigrants live here, and because of this, there are many
different ethnic restaurants.
Corso Magenta is in the Magenta district and leads into the
centre; this corso is healthy and wealthy', one half has hardly
any shops, but many gorgeous palazzi with exquisite, hidden
gardens while the other half has a multitude of shops, some of
which are very prestigious. The corso is well served by public
transport; it has lots of traffic and few parking spaces during
the day, but becomes a great deal more peaceful at night-time.
Southwest of Milan stands the Ticinese-Navigli area, this
quarter is a mixture of old and new. Many of the original
residents (or their descendants) still live in Ticinese and
there are many case di ringhiera - apartments with wrought-iron
balconies that face inwards. Blue-collar workers lived here at
the beginning of the twentieth century. The apartments have
undergone renovation and some now house architects, artists,
fashion designers et al. This area is full of bars and shops
selling clothes and basic necessities to meet the needs of
employees and residents. Via Chiesa Rossa, (which is on the
Naviglio, the city's canal system), is characterized by the wave
of immigration which took place here in the '50s and '60s. The
area by Il Naviglio teems with nightclubs, which means that it
is always lively and chaotic. The Naviglio leads to the
autostrada for Genova. The Assago complex, where the FilaForum
Milanofiori is situated, can be seen on the motorway. The
FilaForum is home to concerts, exhibitions and all kinds of
events.
Another district that is famous for its exhibitions and Trade
Fairs is Amendola-Fiera; this is a residential area as well,
with many tree-lined streets and tall palazzi, most of these
palazzi were constructed after 1930, and so they are still in
good condition. Vittoria is also a popular residential area,
that has a working/middle-class feel; Viale Lazio (one of the
streets in this area) is predominantly made up of residential,
leafy avenues; Corso Lodi reverberates with the hum of
commercial activity; Viale Umbria is residential and Corso XXII
Marzo is filled with shops. Some fashion houses have their
headquarters in Vittoria, between Viale Umbri and Corso Lodi.
Further east, between Forlanini's verdant park and Taliedo, (heading
towards Linate airport) is the Idroscalo, a large dock filled
with water where you can swim, sunbathe, and sail. There is
still some industrial activity further east on Viale Mugello and
towards Viale Molise (the large complex of Macello Comunale) and
further out, beyond the station of Porta Vittoria, is the famous
wholesale market, Mercato Ortofrutticolo.
Citt?Studi (Study city) is located in the east of Milan and as
the name suggests, is the University district, home to the
Polytechnic and several chemistry, biology and pharmaceuticals
departments. Many of the buildings here were constructed in the
'20s, '30s and '40s and the overall feel is that of a charming
residential area with trees on every street.
To the north of the city lies Isola, located just behind the
main station (Stazione Centrale), other zones in the vicinity
are home to large hospital complexes, such as Ospedale Maggiore
and CTO.
San Siro is famous for its stadio S. Siro football ground and
its Monte stella, stadium. This area sums up Milan as it
combines a love for music, media, glamour and football!
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