Porta Romana & Bocconi
The Porta Romana district is located in the southeast of Milan. It took its name from the presence of the gate of the same name, one of six in the city and built in the 16th century. It is a residential district, the hub of day and nightlife for young workers and students, especially those attending Milan's Bocconi University, which is located nearby. It is an area full of activities, shops and clubs that is easily connected by public transport both with the centre of Milan and with the Navigli and Darsena areas. The presence of theatres, cinemas and bookshops underline its cultural strength, making it also one of the city's most characteristic and exciting districts. The reference metro is the yellow M3 line, Porta Romana stop, but trams and buses also run through the district. In addition, close to Piazza Lodi is the Milano Porta Romana railway station served by trains on the S9 line that connect the city on one side with Albairate and on the other with Saronno, passing through Monza. From Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, the central point of the district, we find Viale Montenero, a tree-lined street that leads towards Zona Risorgimento and then continues changing its name to Porta Venezia.
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What to see and do
The attractions in the neighbourhood are many and for all tastes. Let's start right from Piazza Medaglie d'Oro where you will find the QC Terme di Porta Romana, a wellness oasis that takes you away from chaos and stress even while staying in the city. In a side street of Viale Montenero, precisely in Via Pier Lombardo, is the Franco Parenti Theatre, a true institution in the neighbourhood, which offers a full programme of shows, literary events, concerts, film festivals and much more throughout the year. Moreover, within the same cultural project and attached to the theatre are the Bagni Misteriosi, the outdoor swimming pools of Porta Romana, where you can go in summer to sunbathe, swim and enjoy excellent aperitifs.
The district's other famous theatre, located in Corso di Porta Romana, is the Teatro Carcano. Italian artists of the calibre of Gaber, Albertazzi and Manfredi have performed on its stage, and it still hosts classical and modern shows and international dance. Italian artists of the calibre of Gaber, Albertazzi and Manfredi have performed on its stage, and it still hosts classical and modern shows and international dance. Strolling along the Corso, stop at number 3 to admire the Casa del Diavolo (House of the Devil), or Palazzo Acerbi. Legend has it that the owner, Marquis Ludovico Acerbi, during the plague that struck Milan in the 17th century, used to hold sumptuous parties full of people in his palace. He took the name precisely because none of the partygoers fell ill with the plague, and the palace was also saved from the Austrian bombardments of 1848. Heading towards the Guastalla district, you can see a Baroque complex with a circular structure, this is the Rotonda della Besana characterised by an arcade enclosing a beautiful English-style lawn. It can be accessed for a lunch break in the open air or for some relaxation, and concerts and evenings are organised in summer. Other green areas in the neighbourhood are: the Guastalla Gardens, among the oldest in Milan and located behind the headquarters of the University of Milan; the Ravizza Park, which is located near the Bocconi University and is a tree-lined park with playgrounds, a bicycle path, a pedestrian area and a kiosk where you can rest.
Where to eat and drink
In and around Porta Romana there are plenty of restaurants and places to have dinner, an aperitif and a drink before or after dinner. To enjoy traditional Milanese dishes, the Osteria dell'Acquabella is a modern version of a trattoria that serves classic schnitzel, risottos, soups and ossobuco. If you fancy a nice plate of spaghetti Carbonara, a Cacio e Pepe or a Roman main course, you will find them at Giulio Pane e Ojo, a corner of Rome in Milan. We recommend, instead, La cucina de Mi Babbo, for excellent traditional Tuscan dishes and cured meats in a sophisticated, dimly lit venue, perfect for dinner with a partner.
Also nearby is Giannasi's kiosk, where you can get the best roast chicken in Milan to take away. We advise you to go in good time, because long queues form around lunch or dinner times and especially at weekends. If you are looking for a pizzeria in Porta Romana, you can choose from Cocciuto, which also offers a menu with first and second courses, poke and burgers, Ciccio Pizza, Il Pomodorino or Pizza Am, or for a quick slice of pizza or focaccia Monterosso or even Trapizzino, which offers gourmet slices closed like sandwiches. For both dinner and aperitifs, Tapa, the Spanish restaurant, is one of the most popular venues in the neighbourhood. Another option is Dabass, whose name suggests the bistro underneath, where you can get together with friends and enjoy sophisticated cocktails. Nearby there is also The Spirit, an elegant venue with many exclusive spirits inside. Strolling along Viale Montenero you will find many other places to choose from, to have an aperitif, to dine, to experience ethnic Japanese, Chinese or Ramen specialities, or for an after-dinner drink. Last but not least, here are the hottest pubs in Porta Romana: Pogue Mahone's Irish Pub, next door is Unplug, and across the street is Birreria Tortuga. Another flagship in the neighbourhood, this time for dessert, is Marlà Pasticceria, here too at weekends you might find quite a queue, but it's worth a try.
Where to go shopping
In Porta Romana you can find unusual shops that you don't expect. For example, Tanabata, in Via Adige, is dedicated especially to Japanese lovers because inside you will find ceramics, chopsticks, gifts, clothing, books and prints for a true full immersion in Japanese culture. At Room 19.21 you will enter a space where fashion and art coexist, discovering plays of prints, fabrics and colours in perfect Pop style. Another truly magical place is Bezpen, in via Crema, a boutique furnished like a cosy living room, but it is also a bit of a workshop, the certainty here is to find unique garments. MaClò is another shop not to be missed in Porta Romana, small but with an interesting selection of Made in Italy brands. Its proposals are perfectly in line with the trends of the moment: original, colourful, with strong details, and unusual prints for those who want to show their style through their look.
On Viale Montenero is the Hygge Square concept store, which offers design, clothing and natural beauty products and also offers professional or recreational courses. If you are on the hunt for the best offer, be it food, clothes, shoes, gifts and accessories, on Friday mornings there is the Porta Romana district market, which occupies many of the neighbourhood's streets. Or, in Via Friuli, there is the Coldiretti Lombardia indoor market, where you can find seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as organic produce, wine and craft beer. For an exotic touch, at Gaghe you will find Asian products, both ready-made dishes of oriental cuisine and original ingredients and spices. Of course, there are also several convenient supermarkets in the area. For technology and electronics, there is an Euronics store in Corso Lodi, while for books you can rely on the Feltrinelli on the corner of Viale Sabotino, where there is also the Red Bistrot for a relaxing moment.
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