Bovisa & Affori
The Bovisa and Affori neighbourhoods in Milan are located in the northern part of the city, bordering Dergano, Farini, Comasina, Maciachini, Niguarda, Ghisolfa and Bovisasca. They are characterised by an urban mix, the old railing houses still present are joined by new constructions that make these neighbourhoods coveted as excellent housing solutions. In fact, here one can find all the services of the metropolis but a quality of life and social relations reminiscent of that of a village. Bovisa was once a working-class and industrial district, but before that this area was home to the cattle market, hence the name. Over time, it began to be renewed with the arrival of several branches of the Milan Polytechnic, here in particular are the departments of design, mechanics and aerospace science and technology. The transformation process of the entire area is still ongoing, as can be seen from the buildings under construction, especially in the area adjacent to the Passante Ferroviario. Thanks to the presence of the Bovisa FN station, one can easily reach other areas of Milan, such as Cadorna, Garibaldi, Porta Venezia, Stazione Centrale and Malpensa airport. Even the suburb of Affori retains the memory of a bygone Milan, also due to the presence of many native citizens. On the other hand, the development process has also led it to be a multi-ethnic neighbourhood due to the presence of foreigners. The area has become more accessible with the arrival of the underground and the inauguration of the renovated Affori FN railway station that connect it with the rest of the city, as well as the presence of long bicycle paths.
We have no availability in this neighborhood
What to see and do
Bovisa is a district with urban charm, in fact you can still admire the architecture of the old gasometers. Metal pylons that once held large floating tanks that rose or fell depending on the amount of gas they contained. In the early 20th century, they were a great opportunity for the city because they could double the availability of gas for lighting Milan. Even if you don't frequent the Politecnico, the Bovisa Campuses, Durando and La Masa area, are worth a visit. These are home to a number of university departments characterised by the reuse and reconversion of industrial buildings, as well as new developments. In the Design department, one can admire an open-air exhibition: two thousand square metres of external walls covered with artistic murals that give vitality to the area. Another regeneration project, regarding the environment this time, is the Bovisa Goccia project, which envisages expanding the campus with the creation of a science park and innovation hub. It will be available to everyone, students, professors, researchers and all citizens who want to be outdoors to play sports, relax, study or have lunch. The Affori district is no different. While it preserves its history, it has always been projected towards the future and renewal.
A must-see is the Villa Litta Park, one of the most beautiful in Milan, which is home to centuries-old trees, playgrounds, and the Villa of the same name. The Affori district is no different. While it preserves its history, it has always been projected towards the future and renewal. A must-see is the Villa Litta Park, one of the most beautiful in Milan, which is home to centuries-old trees, playgrounds, and the Villa of the same name. In the past, the building was a meeting place for the Milanese bourgeoisie, and today houses libraries of the municipal system. Also in the area is the Park of the former Paolo Pini psychiatric hospital, a beautiful green area inside which is Il Giardino degli Aromi. Here medicinal plants and spices are grown and sold, and there are also several shared vegetable gardens. Wandering around the neighbourhood, one can admire the characteristic buildingsandstreets, such as Via Osculati, at times seeming to walk in another era. You can still find several small shops where you can also shop for organic and bulk products. But the heart of the district is Piazza Santa Giustina where tobacconists, bars and ice cream parlours are concentrated.
Where to eat and drink
Those who study, work, or live in the Bovisa area will not be disappointed because it offers a nice variety of locations for aperitifs, dinners and drinks. For lunch or dinner, Mami Gastronomia also offers take-away with pick-up at the restaurant. There is a great choice of first courses, some are renewed from week to week while others are always on the menu, as well as traditional dishes such as schnitzel with potatoes. If you want something lighter, however, you can also opt for salads and vegetables. For the takeaway only, Centoventicinque, here the proposal is for pasta dishes only and you can choose generous whole or even half portions. There may be a bit of a queue at lunchtime, but it is always very smooth given the way the service is run.
Housed in the space of a former industrial warehouse, in perfect style with the area, Bovisa Urban Garden is a real urban garden in which to enjoy sandwiches, bagels, burgers, bowls and salads, but also some hot dishes. Not only for eating, but also for evenings and events combining food and live music, the Circolo Bovisa, a spacious location that encourages people to meet. For both lunch and dinner, the menu includes dishes such as risotto, ossobuco and pizzoccheri. In Affori you must try the wine at Fiasco Vineria Friulana, you can have an aperitif directly in the restaurant, or buy it to take home. To enjoy Lucanian specialities, but served as tapas, you must go to Taac Trattoria, both for lunch and dinner. You cannot miss dessert, or a snack at Pasticceria Angolodolce, which has been a reference point for the neighbourhood since the 1970s. Or a nice ice cream in the Gelateria Litta before, after or during a walk in the park. Heading towards Bovisasca you will come across trattorias, cafés but also nightclubs such as the Spirit de Milan, which offers local dishes and a live music programme with the possibility of dancing both outdoors and indoors. Not too far away is also Milan's Alcatraz, a disco and concert venue that is always very popular, especially on weekend evenings.
Where to go for shopping
Although Bovisa and Affori are rather peripheral neighbourhoods when compared to the centre of Milan, there are actually plenty of shops where you can shop and find what you need. Strolling through the streets of Affori you will find clothing boutiques, but also flea markets and second-hand bazaars offering vintage and retro alternatives. There is also a great choice of furniture and household goods shops, great if you have just moved in and want to find the right items for your new room or flat.
If you need to do some housework, you can rely on the Bricocenter in Affori, which is well stocked and has staff who will help you choose what you need. There is also a Mediaworld store in the area for technology purchases at competitive prices. Or you can go directly to the Metropoli Shopping Centre in Affori, which is divided into several floors and served with several shops, as well as a supermarket and delicatessen.
In Bovisa, being a university district, you can find several book shops, such as one of the Libraccio outlets, where you can buy both schoolbooks and pleasure reading. The peculiarity of this bookstore is that you can find books at discounted prices, and it also offers a second-hand purchase and resale service. There are also many supermarkets, pharmacies, florists and various specialised shops in the area.
Some questions?
Have more questions?
