22. Pasteur, Rovereto

From a peripheral area to a new centre for creativity and the young innovation, this is where different cultures coexist and there are organizations which create a lively and dynamic atmosphere. And here’s NoLo, which means “North of Loreto” and takes inspiration from the multi-ethnic district of New York, Soho.

This area has been decaying for years, but it has recently attracted creative young people and new emerging activities in order to find buildings at low prices.

From being the Bronx of Milan to the modern Soho, NoLo could become the new Island: it was a working-class area until a few years ago with a critical past which found the strength in its community life for a change that started from the bottom.

It is meant for those who are looking for a house at reasonable prices and intend to take part to the many community activities.

The calm dimension doesn’t stop the energy, the creativity and the young innovation which can be breathed in the area.

In this area you will not find streets with elegant stores and modern buildings with an international style.
However, you will be amazed by discovering many totally unexpected places, like bars managed by Chinese people who speak Milanese by now: it is the sign of a possible integration among cultures, which could be hard to conciliate elsewhere.

You will be also amazed by looking at the ex-Factory walls of the historical Cova Pastry shop with its colourful graffiti, real street art works.

Here you will find working-class buildings with handicraft activities in the internal courtyards, apartment buildings of the XX century and buildings which have been built recently. Some crossroads and little squares have been recently involved in micro-redevelopment projects and they have become gathering places.

Do not miss the life created by the resident’s engagement. Admire the graffiti in Pontano street.

Drink a cup of coffee in the garden of the Libreria NOI, a cultural neighbourhood space specialized in illustrated books. Get lost among the stands of the Mercatino Le Pulci Pettinate, created by a group of young designers and dedicated to the vintage and handicraft lovers.

The area is close to the Milano Centrale Station and “Magazzini Raccordati”. Not too far from it there’s the Naviglio Martesana and the big shopping district of Corso Buenos Aires.