Isola

Isola is certainly the most vibrant, innovative and alternative area of the city. Located in the northern area of Milan, it has been redeveloped and enhanced from its previous state of suburbia. The modern revival integrated well with the old Art Nouveau or rationalist style buildings, the public housing and the street art on the walls and store shutters. A must-see is the ancient Sanctuary of Santa Maria alla Fontana, dating back to 1500, in whose underground area one can find a spring with healing properties and the Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia where bells were made and bronze casting such as that for the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Duomo was carried out. Now, the building is a historical museum where exhibitions and events take place. In this trendy district you can go shopping in craft stores, thrift stores and boutiques, have an aperitif, have dinner in traditional and ethnic restaurants and end the evening with a jazz concert in one of the many nightclubs.