Italian Village of Columbus, Ohio

Directly west of High Street in the Short North is a district known as the Italian Village. The Italian Village of Columbus, Ohio was one of the city’s first suburbs, dating back to the mid-1800’s. Italian and Irish immigrants populated the area where they worked in construction and railroad. Despite many other ethnic groups—Irish, Greek, German, Polish—inhabiting the surrounding areas, many buildings were erected in Italian-style architecture. The prominent St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, which is where many believe the suburb got its name, drew Italian immigrants from all over to hear masses in their native tongue.

Italian Village Guide

Italian Village was always a flourishing town due to its shops and restaurants and its closeness to the downtown area. But, the fact that this district is still in good shape today is evidence of a special labor of love. Sadly, the district fell into disrepair after WWII, but local residents and concerned citizens from the surrounding areas—including Victorian Village, the High Street Commercial District, and Italian Village itself—banned together to restore the deteriorated district to its former glory. They formed the Italian Village Society in the late 1970’s, which helped them succeed. They ended up being given an All-American City Award for their efforts. Several parts of Italian Village have even had the honor to have recently been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of places and structures worthy of preservation.

Italian Village Heritage

The Italian Village of Columbus, Ohio focuses on preserving its heritage and promoting historic preservation, as evidenced by its own history and restoration. The shops and restaurants present today are a mix of the old and the new. The MoJoe Lounge has helped prevent the deterioration of the Italian Village and surrounding districts by assisting in over 100 small business openings. It also is a corporate sponsor of Local Matters, an organization dedicated to encouraging people to buy locally-grown foods, which supports the central Ohio economy.

The Italian Village district, among others, is a unique shopping, dining, and learning experience, full of rich culture and tradition. Come see what this distinct area has to offer!