The train journey from Bari to Milan was a common one for many Southern Italians seeking work in the prosperous North. Among them, decades ago, was a young Nicola Partipilo. Stepping off the train onto the platform of Milan’s imposing Central Station, he felt a momentary urge to turn back, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the city. The towering Hotel Gallia, the bustling crowds, the metallic belly of the station itself – it was a stark contrast to the quiet life he had left behind.
A Humble Beginning in a Grand City
Nicola, like so many others, arrived in Milan with little more than a cardboard suitcase and a fierce desire to build a better life. He was a man of few words, generous, willing, a bit stubborn, but driven by a powerful work ethic. Years later, when journalist Franco Presicci approached him for an interview, Partipilo, ever humble and reserved, was surprised. “An interview with me? I don’t even know where to begin.” Presicci’s simple reply, “From the beginning,” set the stage for a remarkable story.
Partipilo’s first job in Bari was as a delivery boy for a beverage merchant, earning a meager 2,000 lire a week, supplemented by tips. He would cycle through the city, delivering wine, often eating a whole loaf of bread on the go. He learned the rhythm of the streets, observing every detail of the city’s architecture and life. Milan, he recalls, “stole his heart.”
His early days in Milan were equally challenging. He found work as a bartender in a “trani,” a traditional Italian tavern named after the Puglian city of Trani. His days began at 5 AM and ended at 9 PM, with no days off except for Christmas afternoon, when his employers took him to see the Duomo and the city’s canals, the Navigli. He remembered the magical atmosphere of the canals, especially the Ticinello, then traversed by barges.
The Siren Song of Milan and a Twist of Fate
Despite the hardships, Milan’s allure proved irresistible. Partipilo, a tenacious and proud man, refused to be defeated. Fate intervened when he found work as a delivery boy for a bookstore on Viale Tunisia, near Corso Buenos Aires. This job allowed him to explore the city’s historical palaces, monuments, churches, and vibrant squares. He would admire the Liberty architecture of Palazzo Castiglioni on Corso Venezia and discover hidden gardens with their arches, pergolas, and fountains.
Over time, the famous bookstore on Viale Tunisia came into his hands. He transformed it into a renowned international bookstore, a hub for literature and culture. Years later, he established his own publishing house, Celip, which has produced magnificent volumes filled with photographs, maps, and drawings, often chosen by Partipilo himself. Celip has published works by esteemed authors such as Ferruccio De Bortoli, Guido Lopez, and architect Empio Malara.
A Legacy of Books and Community
Partipilo’s publishing house celebrated Milan through books like “An Unseen Milan,” with spectacular photographs by Mario De Biasi, “Nativity Scenes,” “Milan by Tram,” and “The Castles of Milan.” His dedication to his adopted city was profound, and he saw the Puglian community in Milan as a vital part of its greatness, contributing intelligence, skill, hard work, and integrity.
One memorable anecdote involved the legendary Italian actress Wanda Osiris. When Partipilo was working on a book about variety shows, he asked journalist Franco Presicci for a preface. Instead, Presicci suggested they interview Wanda Osiris. The “Wandissima” welcomed them with unparalleled courtesy, reminiscing about her performances in Taranto and her enduring affection for the city.
Partipilo recounted how he acquired the bookstore in 1966 when the owner, Vernly, was facing financial difficulties. He proposed to take over, and the deal was struck. His first initiative was to publish “Milano Test,” a list of all school books available in the city, which further cemented his bookstore’s reputation.
His bookstore became a meeting place, attracting illustrious figures like Gianni Brera and Enzo Biagi. Partipilo cherished the “perfume of books” and the stories his customers shared. He even recalled a time when people would ask for “three meters of books” to decorate a wall.
Today, the lights of the bookstore on Viale Tunisia are no longer on, not by Partipilo’s choice. Yet, his legacy lives on. “Books are the fruit of my love for this city,” he once said. His work, including collaborations with figures like Enzo Jannacci and Gino Bramieri, left an indelible mark on Milan’s cultural landscape.
Even now, passersby point to the former bookstore, telling younger generations, “This was Partipilo’s famous bookstore.” Nicola Partipilo’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound impact one individual can have on a city and its culture.
Source: https://www.noinotizie.it/08-02-2026/nicola-partipilo-migrante-da-bari-a-milano-dagli-inizi-difficili-allaffermazione-con-la-libreria-e-la-casa-editrice/
