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A DAY IN CERTOSA
With Paola Cignoli - Di Mano in Mano
Paola takes care of Communication and Marketing at the Di Mano In Mano co-op, a non-profit specialized in selling second-hand garments, furniture and other objects since 1999, in the Certosa neighborhood which lies between Piazzale Accursio (which will soon host the new US Consulate) and the Milano Certosa train station.
The mission Di Mano In Mano (From Hand to Hand) is give a new life to things, but also value to people and the community, with an inclusive policy for the hiring of personnelIn the store located in Viale Espinasse 99 (Tram #1) it is possible to find antique, modern and design furniture, but also art, books, vintage clothing and second-hand fashion items, with prices for all pockets: an excellent reason to travel to Certosa, and then explore the surrounding area.
Di Mano In Mano is very rooted in the neighborhood, because it has created jobs and fostered a sense of community across generations: every day someone arrives donating disused furniture and other wares to support the project.
Quasilocanda (Via Paolo Mantegazza 38, Tram: #19, #12) is Paola and her colleagues’ favorite place to have lunch. It is both a bar and restaurant and was born as a meeting point for the Villapizzone medieval burg, where meetings and solidarity initiatives are organized by the community.
It offers breakfasts, lunches and aperitifs, with attention to local ingredients, which come in part from the Agrimi.bio cooperative which organizes a farmer's market in the small square in front of Quasi Locanda every Wednesday.
In a plebeian neighborhood like Certosa a good trattoria is what you need, and Paola recommends Trattoria Popolare Arci Traverso (Via Figino 13, Tram: #1, #14), a welcoming and informal eatery where you can see the spirit of anarchism on the walls. Trattoria Popolare endorses socializing: you can share a table and a jug of wine with perfect strangers to make new acquaintances.
Excellent value for money, Lombard cuisine with forays in the Mezzogiorno, genuine and copious dishes and vegetarian alternatives. Service is friendly and the venue regularly hosts presentations and performances before dinner is served.
Nicoletta Fasani's atelier shop (Via Paolo Mantegazza 36) sells women's dresses displaying research into design lines and materials. Nicoletta has her own atelier next to the selling area, where she designs, creates and sews garment collections all made with recycled fabrics, and offers tailoring and textile recovery workshops to those willing to venture into sustainable fashion.
Masada (Viale Espinasse 41) is a cultural space open to the city which organizes electronic music events, usually after dark. There is a theater stage and a cinema space, which offers thematic seances.
Masada is also a cultural lounge where courses, meetings and readings are held, in a post-industrial ambience with lots of sofas and other comfortable seating.
