“Little Italy: Where Melbourne’s Soul Meets La Dolce Vita” says the subheader on Lygon Street’s website, followed by “Little Italy – that magical stretch of Lygon Street, Carlton, where the spirit of the motherland has taken root in Melbourne’s cosmopolitan heart, creating something utterly extraordinary.”
With a description like this, we were inspired to have an Italian-themed day. So here’s what we did when exploring Melbourne’s Little Italy one summer’s day.
Indulged in Italian Food:
Every day out starts with delicious food. So, we swooped in on delectable pasta, dessert and coffee. The vibe and food were amazing!
Having filled our tummies, it was then a short stroll to soak in the atmosphere along Lygon Street, where cafes, bars, restaurants and retail shops are nestled amongst quaint old 19th century Victorian terraces.
When in Rome, do as ….
So we plonked ourselves down along the sidewalk and ordered a double-scoop serving of gelato! Heavenly!
Strolled Down Lygon Street, Carlton:
In the 1950s, Italian immigrants settled here. They turned the strip between Queensberry and Elgin Streets into a hub of authentic Italian food and hospitality. It’s one of our favourite haunts for good food as Lygon Street does not only have Italian food, but also, a variety of Asian cuisines. There’s so much to choose from that we don’t think we will ever be able to say that we have dined at every single eatery on Lygon Street! There is something charming about the tree-lined street which bustles with activity from morning till night.
Visited Museo Italiano:
From the corner of our eyes, we spotted an Italian museum … hmmm … interesting. What a surprising find!
Museo Italiano Melbourne is a free entry attraction. It is a permanent exhibition which draws on and displays the records, images and objects from CO.AS.IT.’s Italian Historical Society.
We found good exhibits on the early migration stories of Italians who left their homeland to start life afresh in Australia.
There was also a section of exhibits on the use of masks! The exhibition was known as “Behind the Mask: History, Symbolism & Craft in Venetian Carnevale”, which featured authentic Venetian masks from the private collection of Fabio Angele (owner of Brunetti Classico located on Lygon Street). It was interesting to learn about the history, craft, and symbolism behind traditional Venetian carnival masks.
We learnt that Venetian Carnevale (or “Carnevale di Venezia” in Italian) dates back to the 15th century. Masks, which are an essential component of Carnevale di Venezia, allow different social classes to mingle. Masks offered the ability to remain anonymous, hiding any form of identification in a society where social classes were well-defined and not intended to interact with one another. It was useful for a variety of purposes, including romantic encounters. We were intrigued to note that venetian artisans still make their masks completely by hand. The masks were traditionally formed from paper-mache and often decorated with fur, fabric, gems, or feathers. They are also made in bright colours including gold and silver.
Having explored the rich cultural offerings of Lygon Street in Melbourne, we were reminded of the vibrant experiences that can be found even when overseas travel seems elusive. The Museo Italiano, with its fascinating exhibits on Italian migration and cultural heritage, provided a glimpse into the stories of those who forged new lives in Australia. Such experiences emphasise that the essence of travel can be discovered in one’s own city, bringing the world closer without the need for a passport. Indeed, moments spent in local cultural hubs can be just as enriching as international adventures.
All in all, it was a good day immersed with a different culture other than our own.
