The “Arca de Don Luis”, on Italy Street.
When I studied anthropology, I had to make an ethnography of a neighborhood, a place where history, trades and urbanity still coexisted.
A place where there still exists a neighborhood lifestyle, being a neighbor, community, so nice and rare in this time, overrun by tall buildings where the individual comes first.
So I went to Barrio Italia, (The Italy Neighborhood), located between Ñuñoa and Providencia, which still has small stores like butcherers, shoe shops, antique shops, garages and many others. Here lives modernity with tradition, and that is its charm.
Originating between 1910 and 1940, this area began with the industrialization of a residential sector close to Teatro Italia, hence its name. And in recent years, the neighborhood has become a center of food, antiques, designer objects and a promoter of culture.
Not too long ago, those in the community organized a circuit going around distinct parts of the neighborhood, known as the "Gastronomic and Heritage Route," where you pass by places like Casa Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva (The Museum House of Eduardo Frei Montalva) among others.
Of course, this is possible to do on any day, but with a local´s guidance, it´s much more entertaining. Keep an eye on their website where they publish these organized tours; but, if you prefer to go at your own pace, take the metro to either Santa Isabel or Bustamante stations and start walking!
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