Lygon Street facts for kids
Lygon Street is a famous street in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It runs through several northern suburbs like Carlton and Brunswick East. Lygon Street is well-known for its strong connection to Melbourne's Italian community. Many people call it "Little Italy" because it has so many Italian restaurants and outdoor cafés.
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Exploring Lygon Street's Path
Lygon Street stretches from south to north through Melbourne's inner suburbs. It starts near Russell Street in the city center. From there, it goes north through Carlton, Carlton North, and Brunswick East. Further north, the street changes its name to Holmes Street and then Nicholson Street.
You can easily get around Lygon Street using Melbourne's trams. Tram routes 1 and 6 travel along a big part of the street.
Melbourne's Little Italy
The most famous part of Lygon Street is its Italian restaurant area in Carlton. This area is full of Italian families who moved here in the 1950s. It's a special place because it was the first in Australia to have an espresso coffee machine! It's also thought to be where the "Aussie" pizza was invented.
This lively area feels very European. Every year, it hosts the Lygon Street Festa, which is one of Australia's biggest outdoor street festivals. You can also find the La Mama Theatre and the Courthouse Theatre here. Don't miss the bright neon sign at Borsari's Corner, named after a famous Italian cyclist, Nino Borsari. Toto's Pizza House, Australia's very first pizzeria, has been serving delicious pizzas on Lygon Street since 1961.
Cinema Nova: A Place for Movies
Cinema Nova is a large independent movie theater with 16 screens. It shows many different kinds of films, including Australian movies, independent films, and art-house films. It first opened in 1992.
This cinema is also a popular spot for film festivals. It has hosted events like the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Monster Fest, and the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Other Cool Spots on Lygon Street
Between Grattan Street and Elgin Street, you'll find many interesting shops and boutiques.
The Melbourne Trades Hall building is located at the corner of Lygon Street and Victoria Street. It's a historic place for workers' rights.
The Melbourne General Cemetery is on the western side of Lygon Street in North Carlton. It's a large and historic cemetery.
Images for kids
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Melbourne Trades Hall
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Christian Chapel
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Lygon Buildings, built in 1888
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Italian restaurants on Lygon Street at night
