If anybody asked me where I like going out most during the weekend, I would answer without hesitation: Leoncavallo. In the 70s, young students wanted places underground where they could find themselves talking about politics and having fun. So in Milan, a group of students occupied a big abandoned industry building and started to use it for that purpose. In the 80s, the old Leoncavallo was vacated by the police as at that time it was illegal.

As a sign of rebellion against that decision the heads of the old Leoncavallo occupied another place which is the current location. After some years, the Milano administration understood the importance of this place for the citizens, as during the last evacuation order, the Italian intellectual world protested against it, so they legalized it. Moreover, in the last year, some graffiti on the current building has been declared by the Superintendence as cultural assets: “Forms of art under the interest of the nation”.

It’s a magical place, a mix of art, politics, history, philosophy and really loud music. Every week there’s a musical event (techno, dub, rock) and the prices are cheap, never more than 10 euros to enter. It’s far from the city center, but if you want to experience a real Milanes night, Leoncavallo is the place for you. Check out their Facebook page for the events; the opening hours vary based on what they are organising.