A vibrant plant nursery thrives amidst the ruins. This is Quartiere Pasubio in Milan. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. A testament to resilience.
Quartiere Pasubio isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a story etched in brick and mortar. A story of war and peace. Of destruction and rebirth. It’s located along Viale Pasubio a street that once connected Porta Garibaldi and Porta Volta. These were former city gates.
World War II left its scars on Quartiere Pasubio. Allied bombings severely damaged the buildings. The southern side of Viale Pasubio bears the marks of those destructive days. Buildings were never fully restored. Ruins remain. They are repurposed now. A testament to Milan’s enduring spirit.
The area’s history isn’t just about destruction. It’s also about adaptation. The plant nursery isn’t simply a business. It’s a symbol of renewal. Life sprouting from the ashes of the past. Sadly the area also saw the rise of illegal settlements. These were eventually cleared by the authorities.
Quartiere Pasubio’s story is a compelling mix of old and new. The Unilever Tower a skyscraper from 1962 stands nearby. It’s now abandoned. A contrast to the bustling activity in this green patch of Milan. But the area isn’t all ruins.
The Antica Trattoria della Pesa thrives here. A historic restaurant. It has stood since 1880. Its original sign is still displayed. It’s a local landmark. This restaurant has a fascinating past. Reportedly Ho Chi Minh worked there as a waiter in the 1930s.
The area even appeared in a movie. Happy Family a 2010 film features the Antica Trattoria and the graffiti-covered walls of the ruins. Quartiere Pasubio’s presence in this film adds to its intrigue.
A grand renovation plan was established in 2010. Herzog & de Meuron a Swiss firm was charged with the project. The plan included green areas and cultural centers. The new headquarters of the Feltrinelli Foundation was part of it too. The plan aimed to revitalize the area around Porta Volta.
Quartiere Pasubio is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a living museum. A story of resilience. A place where history and nature coexist. A testament to Milan’s adaptability. It’s a location that continues to evolve. A place where the past informs the present. And where the future is still being written.