Table Of Contents
- What area is Porta Romana
- The origin of the name Porta Romana
- Where the Porta Romana neighborhood is located
- The Porta Romana Song
- Public transportation: metro, buses, streetcars and trains
- Bocconi University
- The vibrant cultural life
- Must-see stores
- Best restaurants in the area
- Places for happy hour
Porta Romana is not only a historic gateway to Milan, but a true microcosm where history and modernity meet, creating an irresistible mix of tradition and innovation. In this article, we will guide you to discover everything that makes this neighborhood unique: from its hidden corners to its most famous attractions, from the best restaurants to the coolest clubs.
Get ready to explore Porta Romana like you’ve never seen it before!
What area is Porta Romana
Porta Romana is a chic and residential neighborhood of the Lombard capital, known for its tranquility and lively nightlife. It is a fascinating mix of history and modernity, with elegant buildings and trendy clubs.
There are plenty of things to do here, such as visiting the Prada Museum or the Dep Art Gallery, but also treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the famous QC Terme.
Strolling through the central Via Sabotino, Via Orti and Via Crema, and the residential Via Eugenio Vaina is also a great plan to spend a nice day in Milan, sipping coffee in one of Porta Romana’s historic bars or enjoying lunch in one of its typical trattorias.
You will soon realize that here you can breathe the atmosphere of old Milan.
Famous residents include artists and intellectuals who have chosen this area for its unique atmosphere.
But don’t be satisfied: here we suggest many other activities to do if you are in Porta Romana.
The origin of the name Porta Romana
Why is it called Porta Romana? I’m sure you already have an idea! Porta Romana is one of Milan’s historic gates that was part of the ancient city walls. It was built in 1596, inspired by the Roman arches of the imperial age, and was originally the main access to the city for those coming from Rome, hence its name.
It is the only surviving one of the ten gates in the Spanish walls designed by Governor Ferrante Gonzaga to protect the city.
The Arch of Porta Romana, on the other hand, was built in 1958 on the occasion of the visit of Mary Margaret of Austria and is still visible today. It is considered to all intents and purposes a symbol of the neighborhood’s rich history, which has managed to retain its historic charm while evolving into a lively residential area.
Where the Porta Romana neighborhood is located
Porta Romana is located southeast of downtown Milan, and is easily reached by the M3 (yellow) subway line.
The neighborhood is bounded by several main streets that trace its boundaries. To the north, we find Corso di Porta Romana, which extends to Piazza Missori. To the east, the neighborhood is bounded by Viale Monte Nero, which runs parallel to Corso di Porta Romana. To the south, the boundaries are marked by Viale Isonzo and Viale Sabotino, while to the west the neighborhood extends to Via Ripamonti and Via Lamarmora.
This strategic location makes Porta Romana an ideal starting point for exploring the city, with numerous connections to the center and other areas of Milan.
The Porta Romana Song
Did you know that there is a famous song about Porta Romana? Yes, “Porta Romana Bella,” an old song about Milanese petty crime, with references to the San Vittore prison.
Today it is part of the Milanese repertoire, and over time it has been recorded by several well-known artists, but the most famous is Giorgio Gaber and Nanni Svampa‘s version, which captures the essence of the neighborhood with its nostalgic melody and evocative lyrics.
Public transportation: metro, buses, streetcars and trains
Porta Romana is well connected to the rest of Milan thanks to an efficient network of public transportation. The M3 metro line, along with several bus and streetcar lines, facilitates travel to the center and other areas of the city.
The streetcar is particularly useful for getting around the area quickly. The 9 connects Porta Romana with Porta Genova and Stazione Centrale, while the 24 travels between Vigentino and Duomo, passing through Corso di Porta Romana.
As for buses, several lines run through the neighborhood, including line 62, which connects Porta Romana with the Lambrate neighborhood, passing through Corso XXII Marzo; line 65, which offers a direct connection to the Porta Lodovica area; and line 77, which connects Porta Romana with the Ripamonti area.
In addition, Porta Romana is served by the Milano Porta Romana railway station, located on line S9 of the suburban rail service. This line connects Albairate and Saronno, passing through Monza, and providing convenient access to several locations in Lombardy.
Bocconi University
Bocconi University is one of Italy’s most prestigious academic institutions and has a significant impact on the Porta Romana neighborhood. Founded in 1902, Bocconi is renowned for its economics, management and finance programs, which attract students from all over the world. This contributes to a dynamic and international environment, enriching the cultural and social life of the area.
Walking through the streets of Porta Romana, it is easy to come across groups of students animatedly discussing their projects or relaxing in the area’s many cafes and bars.
The presence of the university has also led to the opening of numerous services and businesses designed for young people, such as places for a quick lunch, specialized bookstores, student stores and trendy places to network.
If you are curious to discover a corner of Milan where tradition and innovation blend perfectly, a visit to Bocconi and its surroundings is a must!
The vibrant cultural life
Porta Romana is a neighborhood that pulses with cultural life, thanks to the presence of numerous cinemas, theaters and bookstores that enliven its streets.
Cinema lovers can enjoy art-house films and film festivals in historic theaters such as Cinema Mexico, a beautiful Art Deco building at 57 Via Savona that screens English-language art-house films. Also not to be missed is a trip to Cinemino, at 6 Via Seneca, which has become a trendy cinema in the city (members only) where, in addition to being able to see international art-house films, you can also have a drink or a good coffee.
Theater lovers will find quality shows at Teatro Franco Parenti, at 14 Pier Lombardo Street, which has been open since 1973 and has become a landmark for Milan’s theater scene.
Independent bookstores, such as Libreria Verso at Corso di Porta Ticinese 40, or Libreria Trovalibri at Viale Monte Nero 73, offer a wide selection of books and organize literary events that attract a diverse audience.
This mix of cultural offerings makes Porta Romana an ideal place for those seeking intellectual stimulation, opportunities to make new acquaintances and moments of leisure.
Cascina Cuccagna
Cascina Cuccagna is a cultural center located in the heart of Porta Romana, loved by young Milanese for its welcoming atmosphere and the many activities that take place there. Inside the farmhouse, farmers’ markets, creative workshops, cultural events and theme nights are held . It is a place to meet, discover new interests and participate in community initiatives.
Must-see stores
Porta Romana is a neighborhood that offers a wide range of stores, perfect for those who enjoy shopping in a unique and special environment. Here you will find fashion boutiques and designer stores that reflect the creative and innovative soul of the area.
Among the more unique stores, those selling vintage items, local handicrafts and organic products stand out.
Madame Pauline Vintage
Madame Pauline Vintage is a lovely store offering a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories, with many “one-of-a-kind treasures.” It is a true paradise for lovers of vintage and distinctive style.
📍Address: 74 Foro Bonaparte.
I Love Vintage Milan
I Love Vintage Milano is a charming corner where lovers of vintage clothing feel at home.
📍Address: Via Gaspare Spontini, 12.
Antichità Nanni
Antichità Nanni is an antique and modern vintage store offering a variety of furniture, objets d’art, American costume jewelry, vintage jewelry and 20th-century ceramics. Known for the quality of its items, it is a one-stop shop for those looking for unique and original pieces to furnish their homes.
📍Address: Corso di Porta Romana, 25.
Best restaurants in the area
The Porta Romana food scene is renowned for its variety and quality. We have selected our favorite places in the area. Among the restaurants we recommend:
Berberè Pizzeria Porta Romana
Berberè is highly regarded for its gourmet pizzas, prepared with organic ingredients and sourdough. Highlights include the Margherita pizza with buffalo mozzarella, the pizza with prosciutto and figs, and the vegan pizza with seasonal vegetables.
📍Address: 4 Carlo Botta Street.
Trattoria Madonnina
Trattoria Madonnina is a historic restaurant in Porta Romana, renowned for its traditional Milanese cuisine and authentic atmosphere. The restaurant’s strong points? Definitely the quality of ingredients and faithfulness to traditional recipes. The rustic setting, with its characteristic checked tablecloths, also plays its part. Among our favorite dishes: risotto alla milanese, ossobuco and cotoletta alla milanese.
📍Address: Via Gentilino, 6.
Ivan & Frank
We chose Ivan & Frank for its crudités and seafood dishes. The restaurant’s menu is filled with specialties of Mediterranean cuisine. Meat dishes and pizza are also available. Try the calamari stuffed with scamorza cheese and breadcrumbs.
📍Address: Corso Lodi, 37.
Abbottega
Forget dieting for a day and treat yourself to a tasty lunch at Abbottega: for carbonara lovers, there is no better place. Here you will find typical dishes from Central Italy. Those with a sweet tooth must try the chocolate salami.
📍Address: Via Lodovico Muratori, 11.
Places for happy hour
There are 4 places we particularly like for happy hour in the Porta Romana area. Find out which one strikes your fancy.
Madison
📍Address: 12 Sabotino Ave.
Madison is a really nice food cafe. Cocktails are held daily from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The buffet is full of fresh, quality ingredients. Among the cocktails, our favorite is the Basilmorey, with Gin, basil, honey, blackberries and lime juice. Price per drink 10 € (including the buffet).
Madeira
📍Address: 3 Monte Nero Ave.
Davide Longoni Bakery
How much do we like Davide’s farmhouse bread? Very much. In the bakery’s garden we do Bread and WineAperitifs with products designed according to the season, such as the very good pizza with pumpkin or the spring bread with fresh broad beans and peas. Average price per person €8.50 (glass plus cutting board).
📍Address: Via Gerolamo Tiraboschi, 19.
Muddica
Muddica is a Sicilian restaurant offering a seafood aperitif Tuesday through Sunday (6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.). Nice outdoor space, where you can have a glass of wine with friends. In addition to fish dishes, there are also specialties of Sicilian cuisine, such as arancini.
📍Address: 27 Monte Nero Ave.
Not enough for you? Here are 5 more places to have an aperitif in Porta Romana.
As you have seen, the Porta Romana neighborhood offers a perfect mix of history, culture and gastronomy. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to live or a lively area to explore, it has something to offer everyone.
With its strategic location and numerous attractions, it is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to discover the best of Milan.