The Bagni Pubblici di Via Agliè were originally established in the 1950s to serve the workforce living in the traditional working-class housing of Barriera di Milano, many of which lacked basic sanitation. As housing conditions improved, the baths declined in use and were closed by the Municipality in the 1990s. In 2005, driven by immigration and local demand for services, and supported by the Sixth District and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, the facility was reopened under the management of social cooperatives, marking the start of its transformation into a centre for integration. Since 2011, it has evolved into an Intercultural Neighbourhood Hub, housing a bistrot, social tailoring workshop, laboratories, and a social services desk, serving as a key gathering and support point for the district’s diverse communities.
The Bagni are managed by the cooperatives Ecosol, Educamondo, and Liberitutti, part of the Kairos Consortium, which oversee the physical spaces and bar operations, while cultural, educational, and artistic activities are co-designed with residents and local organisations. Over 15 associations actively contribute, alongside twenty volunteers who support the hub’s inclusive and aesthetic development. Activities are co-created with the community and funding proposals jointly developed. Open and universally accessible, the Bagni provide services, encourage social inclusion, and foster intercultural dialogue, connecting vulnerable groups with wider community networks. As a recognised Neighbourhood Hub, it also participates in the broader Network of Neighbourhood Hubs, sharing best practices and monitoring impacts.
