Interview: Adriano Monti
In your opinion, which are the most important “Italian” places in Chicago?
Among the places of the past, I would say definitely Taylor Street, where in 1910 was concentrated one-third of the total presence of the Italians in Chicago, and the various Little Italy, such as the one located between the 24th and Oakley Avenue and Little Sicily in the Near North side. Among the current symbols I would mention Casa Italia in Melrose Park, another place characterized by a high concentration of fellow countrymen, which continues to be an important point of reference and aggregation for our community, with many activities and initiatives for all ages.
Among the religious places I think that the church of Our Lady of Pompeideserves a mention: it is a significant location of important celebrations and anniversaries. Turning to more modern times, there is no doubt that the opening of Eataly in Chicago contributed to the awakening of a great interest in our culture even among Americans of other heritage, and it is a meeting place for many members of the recent Italian immigration.
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